[Scene] Edgeworth and Rhoda in: HOT DATE
Edgeworth: *it's late morning the day Edgeworth arranged to have lunch with one Ms. Rhoda Teneiro. Unfortunately, though the meeting is in twenty minutes and he'd already been driving en route to the destination, his plans take a bad turn when, well, when he takes a bad turn onto a side street and happens upon a gathered gasping crowd, what seems like a body slumped over on the street, and a giant grand piano toppled over on its side with broken keys spilt on the asphalt road. A police car pulls up seconds after he hits the breaks, and two detectives rush out of the car and onto the scene*
Edgeworth: *at this he just... sits there for a moment, sighs, and for a minute contemplates simply hitting reverse. Finally, he exits his car and shuts the door rather loudly, reaching into his jacket pocket for his cellphone as he approaches the police*
Edgeworth: *to the detectives, as he references a card and punches in the number* What happened here?
Detective 1: Sir! We just received a call just minutes ago, Sir! It... it seems like a murder!
Detective 2: A grand murder!
Edgeworth: *sighs as the phone rings through*
Rhoda: *sits daintily at the restaurant the two are to meet at, patiently waiting for one Mr. Miles Edgeworth to come through the door any minute now. She's certain he's not the type to be tardy and she glances at her neon green wrist watch to confirm that there is only a couple minutes left till their appointed time. To top it off, she's a little nervous considering this is her first social outing with a man in a long time.
Rhoda: *Just as she lifts her hand to check her watch again, her cell phone vibrates from within her purse. She quickly picks it up, not bothering to glance at who's calling.* Hello?
Edgeworth: Ms. Teneiro? Please accept my sincere apologies, but I'm afraid I'm going to be late-- *there's a shriek in the background, and the booming discord of the giant grand piano finally crashing onto its proper side* ...I'm afraid I have to reschedule our lunch.
Rhoda: Mr. Edgeworth!? *her relief is replaced by concern at the sound of the faint horrible shriek* A-are you alright?
Edgeworth: Yes, I'm quite well. *one of the detectives seems to want to speak, but he waves the man off with a mouthed "GO INVESTIGATE."* Unfortunately, I ran into some work that needs to be resolved, and it can't wait. I know this is terribly abrupt.
Rhoda: Um, yes, of course. I understand! *she tries to keep the disappointment out of her voice, but it's a little hard* When would be a better time for you?
Edgeworth: I think it would be more appropriate for me to treat you to dinner. *as he speaks, his eyes follow a loose coil of rope on the ground to the nearest building. There, a row of large balcony windows are lined up, all shut tightly, but there's one with a large wedge of curtain caught between door and frame. When he speaks again, it sounds as though he's almost... eager*
Edgeworth: Yes. ...There's a French restaurant nearby that would be more fitting-- *waves at a detective, gesturing towards the residential building in question* At about... 6:30, say?
Rhoda: Oh…! *misinterprets his eagerness for excitement towards...their rescheduled date?* Hmm, 6:30... *She pauses as if having to check her schedule, even though she knows she has no plans whatsoever for the rest of the day* 6:30 works just fine. *cheerily* See you then?
Edgeworth: See you then, Ms. Teneiro. *clicks the disconnect button, immediately barking out an order at the detectives, all business once more... not that he ever lapsed from it to begin with* Investigate that apartment immediately! Detain and question those inside!
Detectives: Sir yes sir!
Rhoda: Goodb-- *however her farewell is cut short by the sound of a click and dull beeping of a disconnect tone. She carefully places the phone back into her purse and takes the check to the register to pay for her iced tea. She muses to herself* Oh, that Mr. Edgeworth….he must be shyer than I thought.
Rhoda: He could have just said he preferred a more romantic setting in the first place...How cute! *smiling, she shuffles out of the restaurant in even higher spirits than when she first entered*
~~~
Edgeworth: *six or so hours later, Edgeworth is seated at a table for two at a very posh French restaurant downtown. He's enjoying a glass of brandy as he waits for Rhoda to arrive--and for once he looks quite jubilant, quite at ease*
Rhoda: *arrives right on the dot as expected, changed into a dress she's deemed appropriate for a fancy candlelight dinner--a little number she's saved away at the back of her closet for such a rare, special occasion. She subconsciously straightens the scarf around her neck, feeling both anxious and excited at the same time.
Rhoda: Her heart is aflutter from the point she steps foot in the establishment and grows increasingly faster along the way as the hostess escorts her to the table at which Edgeworth awaits*
Edgeworth: ...Ms. Teneiro. *courteously stands and bows when she approaches the table... remarking nothing on her attire* Thank you for being so understanding concerning my abrupt call earlier today.
Rhoda: *promptly returns the gesture* Oh, it is no problem, really! *tilts her head to the side and gives a knowing smile* I realize you are a very busy man. Thank you for fitting me into your schedule.
Edgeworth: *with a small half-smile* The same can be said in regards to you. *gestures to her chair, which the hostess pulls back* Please.
Rhoda: *sits down with as much grace she can manage, straightening her back as taught in etiquette class. She thanks the hostess and neatly folds her napkin on her lap before turning her attention to the oh so handsome man across from her* So, how are you, Mr. Edgeworth?
Edgeworth: *reseats himself, a smirk playing across his lips* I'm quite well. The situation I came across this morning was resolved without a hitch. ...Or rather, it was resolved with a hitch, a coil of rope, and a very uppity orchestra conductor.
Edgeworth: I trust your day has been equally as pleasant?
Rhoda: *listens intently, although honestly she doesn't quite follow* That's good to hear! *after a beat* As for me, I worked on a few design samples for a coupon commissioned by the Ambassador of Cohdopia. *proudly* It's a new project I'm very excited about.
Edgeworth: Cohdopia...? Mr. Paleano, I take it. *raises an eyebrow* Hn, well he seems like a man who has... very flashy tastes. *a not too lengthy pause* He commissioned you specifically?
Waiter: *steps up to the table, offering Rhoda a menu--Edgeworth already has one* *in a very put on French accent* Would ze madam like anything to drink...?
Rhoda: *she accepts the menu from the waiter, though her full attention is on the man across the table* Yes, in fact he did. He was very adamant about including butterflies and flowers in the design. *to the waiter* Thank you. I think I'll have a glass of red wine, please. Perhaps something sweet and fruity?
Edgeworth: *glances at the waiter with a smirk* A bottle of 2011 Petrus, if you will.
Waiter: Ah, ze Merlot! Of course, sir. *and he walks off, all hoity toitylike*
Rhoda: Thank you. I'm afraid I'm not much of a wine expert...though I do handle quite a bit of it at work. *smiles* I'm usually the one on the serving end.
Edgeworth: Merlot is a versatile drink--a good acidity level, fruity, with a suggestion of berries and black truffle in taste. *glances down at the menu but briefly* It would go well with the mignon, which is one of the highlights of the restaurant--but of course, there are many good alternatives as well.
Rhoda: *is impressed by his vast knowledge of cuisine but tries not to make it too obvious* That sounds lovely. I'm more of a fish person, myself, but if that's your recommendation, I think I will go with that.
Edgeworth: Very good. Ah, where were we-- *considers for a moment--and his expression turns bland again* ... oh yes, the coupon designs. .......... It seems as though your creations are ... certainly growing in popularity.
Rhoda: *now practically beaming* Oh, yes! They've gained so much attention over such a short period of time. *a thought enters her head* Ooh! I'd be happy to design something for you should the opportunity arise. *taps her fingers to her chin in thought. A moment later, a light bulb goes off in her head* Perhaps a redesigning of your business card or such?
Edgeworth: *clears his throat, somewhat abruptly* Unfortunately, I just had new ones issued last month. Perhaps next time.
Rhoda: *her expression visibly falls* That's a shame. But yes, next time. *in a more brighter tone* I'm afraid I need to freshen up before dinner arrives. If you'll please excuse me for a moment.
Edgeworth: Of course. *rises up before she does, ever the gentleman*
Rhoda: Thank you. *smiles and removes her napkin, neatly placing it on the table. She stands and heads to the restroom, giving Edgeworth a nice clear view of the back of her dress*
Edgeworth: ...................
Edgeworth: *gapes--yes, openly gapes at that hideous back of an outfit when Rhoda turns to leave. For a moment he even seems visibly sickened at the sight.... though it dies down to a sort of wide eyed shock as he staggers back down to his seat*
Rhoda: *returns to her seat about five minutes later, makeup fully checked and wrinkles carefully straightened out of her ensemble. She notices Edgeworth looking rather pale--even more so than usual, and his eyes are rather bugged. C-could just a few touch ups have made that much of a difference? He looks nothing but enamored…struck speechless, even! Needless to say it pleases her greatly.*
Edgeworth: That... that outfit of yours... *it's all he manages to say--thankfully the waiter returns at that moment, with a bottle and two glasses, and proceeds to pour their Merlot*
Rhoda: *her eyes light up* Oh, this old thing? I picked it up in Europe a while back. *adds with emphasis:* It's couture.
Edgeworth: *shakes his head and shrugs* I've heard the same designation applied to fishing nets "artistically" splayed out on a body. *beside him, the waiter finishes pouring the two cups of wine, and leaves*
Rhoda: *her brow slightly furrows, a little puzzled by his response* Do you…not like it?
Edgeworth: *raises an eyebrow* ...In terms of aesthetics I'd say it ranks above fishnet apparel, but not by much. What is that... that horrendous mound of fabric billowing at your back?
Rhoda: *the furrow deepens and her confusion contorts into a full-blown pout* It's what makes this dress unique and stand out among others. *defensively crosses her arms in front of her* I thought you would understand. It perfectly matches those frillies attached under your own neck, if you haven't noticed.
Edgeworth: *he'd been swirling his glass and taking a sniff of the Merlot-- thank goodness he hadn't sipped yet, or else he'd have been liable to choke* These "frillies" are a cravat, and have been a traditional feature of men's apparel since before the invention of the necktie. You chose the outfit to match?
Rhoda: *watches him rather sternly, yet to touch her own glass* I still don't see how that's any different from what I'm wearing.
Rhoda: *however, she then lowers her eyes to the table in embarrassment, not wanting to ruin the entire night* I'm sorry, I didn't mean to come off as argumentative. I tend to get a bit heated in terms of my fashion sense...
Edgeworth: *her apology seems to throw him rather off kilter* Well. ...We all have subjects close to our hearts, I suppose. *glances off to check for the nearest waiter, somewhat abashed* ... Shall we place orders for dinner?
Rhoda: *nods in agreement but is noticeably gloomier* Yes, that's a good idea.
Edgeworth: *there are, unfortunately, no waiters nearby, and after a few seconds of stifling quiet he speaks, eyes downcast* ...My apologies. I shouldn't have been so argumentative either. We are, after all, at dinner, and... *looks up at her* Well. The green of the dress goes well with your eyes.
Rhoda: *the compliment catches her off guard and successfully brightens her spirits--though overlooking the fact that his expression is as unreadable as ever. She smiles pleasantly* Thank you.
Rhoda: *claps her hands together, suddenly remembering something* Oh! How could I have let it slip my mind. *reaches down for the large paper shopping bag she'd set aside when she first took her seat* The tea!
Edgeworth: Hm? Ah, the tea. Yes, of course. *sips at his glass of wine, but his attention is now clearly caught* Now that... is an interest that we share. I'd enjoy hearing how you acquired each one. Have you collected teas for a long time?
Rhoda: *the question makes her slightly nervous and she sets the large bag on the table with a thud, a little harder than she intended to. The silverware and her wine glass rattle, but fortunately nothing spills* Y-yes, I try to pick one up at each country I stop at...when time permits, of course.
Edgeworth: A most noble pursuit. My own collection is unfortunately quite focused upon European selections-- I regretted that my last flight's pass by Zheng Fa did not have a lengthier layover. *smiles, extending his hand to the bag* May I?
Rhoda: *her smile slightly quivers* Yes, be my guest!
Edgeworth: *takes the bag, placing it down gently on his side of the table. He takes out the first item-- a tin can that he examines carefully* Hm. A common label here, but not a bad choice for Earl Grey. *looks to her, that touch of a smile still on his lips* Is that your preferred tea?
Rhoda: *sits at the edge of her seat--her back still perfectly straight, trying to get a better view of the particular tea he's examining* Oh yes, he's very good at picking tea, isn't he?
Edgeworth: *glances up and raises an eyebrow, not quite comprehending* Stephen Twinings? I suppose so, having been steeped in the family business since birth. *rather amused at that, he retrieves the second item from the bag* Ah, this is... actually available in local stores as well, I believe. *hums a thoughtful note-- then pauses, and glances in the bag*
Rhoda: *nods, doing her best to play along despite the fact she has not a clue who any of these people are* Oh yes, him too!
Edgeworth: *looks up at her, all amusement having drained from his features* ...You purchased these at a store just before coming here, didn't you.
Rhoda: *sits back in shock for a moment, her cover blown. Her mouth hangs open ajar, unable to get any words out* ….!
Edgeworth: *pulls out the receipt from the bag, and presents it* From a... Krogers, no less.
Rhoda: ...... *stares dumbfounded, eyes and mouth agape*
Rhoda: P-please, I can explain...!
Edgeworth: Now, whyever would you do such a thing? Was it simple vanity? *jabs a finger forward* Or did you actively wish to make a fool of me? Perhaps you wished to compensate for your atrocious taste in design and "high fashion"?
Rhoda: *gasps at the accusation* What!? I-I just...! *her embarrassment quickly transforms into anger* H-How dare you! I know I shouldn't have lied...but that was uncalled for!
Edgeworth: *doesn't quite pound the table, but sets down his hand rather hard on the surface* Then tell me-- the meaning behind these falsehoods, this whole exaggerated charade--what was your game? What is it you're after?
Rhoda: *sure sounds like a pound to her..! She glares with her arms crossed* You do not need to pound the table nor raise your voice at me! My intentions were strictly innocent, I assure you!
Rhoda: *mortified beyond belief with her pride absolutely tarnished, she abruptly stands, picking up her wine glass along the way. Anger and embarrassment make a deadly combination and completely mute her senses. To the horror/amusement of the patrons witnessing this debacle unfold in front of their very eyes, she splashes its red contents all over Edgeworth's face*
Rhoda: Hmph! *with a pout like no other, she promptly snatches up her purse and storms out of the posh restaurant without another word*
Edgeworth: *sits there in stunned silence, drenched in expensive wine and the stares of the other diners. A waiter finally shows up, to offer him another cloth napkin. Edgeworth sighs, pats dry his face... and then considers*
Edgeworth: *Dressing up to impress, and match... spending a fair chunk of money to purchase a gift--lying about a common interest, which sparked the need for a meeting to begin with. And all those particular looks and smiles through the whole time...*
Edgeworth: *And... eureka! The pieces of logic finally align. Startled--genuinely surprised at the conclusion he'd come to realize for the first time, he sits there at the table for a moment longer... then stands, and excuses himself to the washroom. Further consideration of the revelation will have to wait until he's cleaned up*
Edgeworth: *at this he just... sits there for a moment, sighs, and for a minute contemplates simply hitting reverse. Finally, he exits his car and shuts the door rather loudly, reaching into his jacket pocket for his cellphone as he approaches the police*
Edgeworth: *to the detectives, as he references a card and punches in the number* What happened here?
Detective 1: Sir! We just received a call just minutes ago, Sir! It... it seems like a murder!
Detective 2: A grand murder!
Edgeworth: *sighs as the phone rings through*
Rhoda: *sits daintily at the restaurant the two are to meet at, patiently waiting for one Mr. Miles Edgeworth to come through the door any minute now. She's certain he's not the type to be tardy and she glances at her neon green wrist watch to confirm that there is only a couple minutes left till their appointed time. To top it off, she's a little nervous considering this is her first social outing with a man in a long time.
Rhoda: *Just as she lifts her hand to check her watch again, her cell phone vibrates from within her purse. She quickly picks it up, not bothering to glance at who's calling.* Hello?
Edgeworth: Ms. Teneiro? Please accept my sincere apologies, but I'm afraid I'm going to be late-- *there's a shriek in the background, and the booming discord of the giant grand piano finally crashing onto its proper side* ...I'm afraid I have to reschedule our lunch.
Rhoda: Mr. Edgeworth!? *her relief is replaced by concern at the sound of the faint horrible shriek* A-are you alright?
Edgeworth: Yes, I'm quite well. *one of the detectives seems to want to speak, but he waves the man off with a mouthed "GO INVESTIGATE."* Unfortunately, I ran into some work that needs to be resolved, and it can't wait. I know this is terribly abrupt.
Rhoda: Um, yes, of course. I understand! *she tries to keep the disappointment out of her voice, but it's a little hard* When would be a better time for you?
Edgeworth: I think it would be more appropriate for me to treat you to dinner. *as he speaks, his eyes follow a loose coil of rope on the ground to the nearest building. There, a row of large balcony windows are lined up, all shut tightly, but there's one with a large wedge of curtain caught between door and frame. When he speaks again, it sounds as though he's almost... eager*
Edgeworth: Yes. ...There's a French restaurant nearby that would be more fitting-- *waves at a detective, gesturing towards the residential building in question* At about... 6:30, say?
Rhoda: Oh…! *misinterprets his eagerness for excitement towards...their rescheduled date?* Hmm, 6:30... *She pauses as if having to check her schedule, even though she knows she has no plans whatsoever for the rest of the day* 6:30 works just fine. *cheerily* See you then?
Edgeworth: See you then, Ms. Teneiro. *clicks the disconnect button, immediately barking out an order at the detectives, all business once more... not that he ever lapsed from it to begin with* Investigate that apartment immediately! Detain and question those inside!
Detectives: Sir yes sir!
Rhoda: Goodb-- *however her farewell is cut short by the sound of a click and dull beeping of a disconnect tone. She carefully places the phone back into her purse and takes the check to the register to pay for her iced tea. She muses to herself* Oh, that Mr. Edgeworth….he must be shyer than I thought.
Rhoda: He could have just said he preferred a more romantic setting in the first place...How cute! *smiling, she shuffles out of the restaurant in even higher spirits than when she first entered*
~~~
Edgeworth: *six or so hours later, Edgeworth is seated at a table for two at a very posh French restaurant downtown. He's enjoying a glass of brandy as he waits for Rhoda to arrive--and for once he looks quite jubilant, quite at ease*
Rhoda: *arrives right on the dot as expected, changed into a dress she's deemed appropriate for a fancy candlelight dinner--a little number she's saved away at the back of her closet for such a rare, special occasion. She subconsciously straightens the scarf around her neck, feeling both anxious and excited at the same time.
Rhoda: Her heart is aflutter from the point she steps foot in the establishment and grows increasingly faster along the way as the hostess escorts her to the table at which Edgeworth awaits*
Edgeworth: ...Ms. Teneiro. *courteously stands and bows when she approaches the table... remarking nothing on her attire* Thank you for being so understanding concerning my abrupt call earlier today.
Rhoda: *promptly returns the gesture* Oh, it is no problem, really! *tilts her head to the side and gives a knowing smile* I realize you are a very busy man. Thank you for fitting me into your schedule.
Edgeworth: *with a small half-smile* The same can be said in regards to you. *gestures to her chair, which the hostess pulls back* Please.
Rhoda: *sits down with as much grace she can manage, straightening her back as taught in etiquette class. She thanks the hostess and neatly folds her napkin on her lap before turning her attention to the oh so handsome man across from her* So, how are you, Mr. Edgeworth?
Edgeworth: *reseats himself, a smirk playing across his lips* I'm quite well. The situation I came across this morning was resolved without a hitch. ...Or rather, it was resolved with a hitch, a coil of rope, and a very uppity orchestra conductor.
Edgeworth: I trust your day has been equally as pleasant?
Rhoda: *listens intently, although honestly she doesn't quite follow* That's good to hear! *after a beat* As for me, I worked on a few design samples for a coupon commissioned by the Ambassador of Cohdopia. *proudly* It's a new project I'm very excited about.
Edgeworth: Cohdopia...? Mr. Paleano, I take it. *raises an eyebrow* Hn, well he seems like a man who has... very flashy tastes. *a not too lengthy pause* He commissioned you specifically?
Waiter: *steps up to the table, offering Rhoda a menu--Edgeworth already has one* *in a very put on French accent* Would ze madam like anything to drink...?
Rhoda: *she accepts the menu from the waiter, though her full attention is on the man across the table* Yes, in fact he did. He was very adamant about including butterflies and flowers in the design. *to the waiter* Thank you. I think I'll have a glass of red wine, please. Perhaps something sweet and fruity?
Edgeworth: *glances at the waiter with a smirk* A bottle of 2011 Petrus, if you will.
Waiter: Ah, ze Merlot! Of course, sir. *and he walks off, all hoity toitylike*
Rhoda: Thank you. I'm afraid I'm not much of a wine expert...though I do handle quite a bit of it at work. *smiles* I'm usually the one on the serving end.
Edgeworth: Merlot is a versatile drink--a good acidity level, fruity, with a suggestion of berries and black truffle in taste. *glances down at the menu but briefly* It would go well with the mignon, which is one of the highlights of the restaurant--but of course, there are many good alternatives as well.
Rhoda: *is impressed by his vast knowledge of cuisine but tries not to make it too obvious* That sounds lovely. I'm more of a fish person, myself, but if that's your recommendation, I think I will go with that.
Edgeworth: Very good. Ah, where were we-- *considers for a moment--and his expression turns bland again* ... oh yes, the coupon designs. .......... It seems as though your creations are ... certainly growing in popularity.
Rhoda: *now practically beaming* Oh, yes! They've gained so much attention over such a short period of time. *a thought enters her head* Ooh! I'd be happy to design something for you should the opportunity arise. *taps her fingers to her chin in thought. A moment later, a light bulb goes off in her head* Perhaps a redesigning of your business card or such?
Edgeworth: *clears his throat, somewhat abruptly* Unfortunately, I just had new ones issued last month. Perhaps next time.
Rhoda: *her expression visibly falls* That's a shame. But yes, next time. *in a more brighter tone* I'm afraid I need to freshen up before dinner arrives. If you'll please excuse me for a moment.
Edgeworth: Of course. *rises up before she does, ever the gentleman*
Rhoda: Thank you. *smiles and removes her napkin, neatly placing it on the table. She stands and heads to the restroom, giving Edgeworth a nice clear view of the back of her dress*
Edgeworth: ...................
Edgeworth: *gapes--yes, openly gapes at that hideous back of an outfit when Rhoda turns to leave. For a moment he even seems visibly sickened at the sight.... though it dies down to a sort of wide eyed shock as he staggers back down to his seat*
Rhoda: *returns to her seat about five minutes later, makeup fully checked and wrinkles carefully straightened out of her ensemble. She notices Edgeworth looking rather pale--even more so than usual, and his eyes are rather bugged. C-could just a few touch ups have made that much of a difference? He looks nothing but enamored…struck speechless, even! Needless to say it pleases her greatly.*
Edgeworth: That... that outfit of yours... *it's all he manages to say--thankfully the waiter returns at that moment, with a bottle and two glasses, and proceeds to pour their Merlot*
Rhoda: *her eyes light up* Oh, this old thing? I picked it up in Europe a while back. *adds with emphasis:* It's couture.
Edgeworth: *shakes his head and shrugs* I've heard the same designation applied to fishing nets "artistically" splayed out on a body. *beside him, the waiter finishes pouring the two cups of wine, and leaves*
Rhoda: *her brow slightly furrows, a little puzzled by his response* Do you…not like it?
Edgeworth: *raises an eyebrow* ...In terms of aesthetics I'd say it ranks above fishnet apparel, but not by much. What is that... that horrendous mound of fabric billowing at your back?
Rhoda: *the furrow deepens and her confusion contorts into a full-blown pout* It's what makes this dress unique and stand out among others. *defensively crosses her arms in front of her* I thought you would understand. It perfectly matches those frillies attached under your own neck, if you haven't noticed.
Edgeworth: *he'd been swirling his glass and taking a sniff of the Merlot-- thank goodness he hadn't sipped yet, or else he'd have been liable to choke* These "frillies" are a cravat, and have been a traditional feature of men's apparel since before the invention of the necktie. You chose the outfit to match?
Rhoda: *watches him rather sternly, yet to touch her own glass* I still don't see how that's any different from what I'm wearing.
Rhoda: *however, she then lowers her eyes to the table in embarrassment, not wanting to ruin the entire night* I'm sorry, I didn't mean to come off as argumentative. I tend to get a bit heated in terms of my fashion sense...
Edgeworth: *her apology seems to throw him rather off kilter* Well. ...We all have subjects close to our hearts, I suppose. *glances off to check for the nearest waiter, somewhat abashed* ... Shall we place orders for dinner?
Rhoda: *nods in agreement but is noticeably gloomier* Yes, that's a good idea.
Edgeworth: *there are, unfortunately, no waiters nearby, and after a few seconds of stifling quiet he speaks, eyes downcast* ...My apologies. I shouldn't have been so argumentative either. We are, after all, at dinner, and... *looks up at her* Well. The green of the dress goes well with your eyes.
Rhoda: *the compliment catches her off guard and successfully brightens her spirits--though overlooking the fact that his expression is as unreadable as ever. She smiles pleasantly* Thank you.
Rhoda: *claps her hands together, suddenly remembering something* Oh! How could I have let it slip my mind. *reaches down for the large paper shopping bag she'd set aside when she first took her seat* The tea!
Edgeworth: Hm? Ah, the tea. Yes, of course. *sips at his glass of wine, but his attention is now clearly caught* Now that... is an interest that we share. I'd enjoy hearing how you acquired each one. Have you collected teas for a long time?
Rhoda: *the question makes her slightly nervous and she sets the large bag on the table with a thud, a little harder than she intended to. The silverware and her wine glass rattle, but fortunately nothing spills* Y-yes, I try to pick one up at each country I stop at...when time permits, of course.
Edgeworth: A most noble pursuit. My own collection is unfortunately quite focused upon European selections-- I regretted that my last flight's pass by Zheng Fa did not have a lengthier layover. *smiles, extending his hand to the bag* May I?
Rhoda: *her smile slightly quivers* Yes, be my guest!
Edgeworth: *takes the bag, placing it down gently on his side of the table. He takes out the first item-- a tin can that he examines carefully* Hm. A common label here, but not a bad choice for Earl Grey. *looks to her, that touch of a smile still on his lips* Is that your preferred tea?
Rhoda: *sits at the edge of her seat--her back still perfectly straight, trying to get a better view of the particular tea he's examining* Oh yes, he's very good at picking tea, isn't he?
Edgeworth: *glances up and raises an eyebrow, not quite comprehending* Stephen Twinings? I suppose so, having been steeped in the family business since birth. *rather amused at that, he retrieves the second item from the bag* Ah, this is... actually available in local stores as well, I believe. *hums a thoughtful note-- then pauses, and glances in the bag*
Rhoda: *nods, doing her best to play along despite the fact she has not a clue who any of these people are* Oh yes, him too!
Edgeworth: *looks up at her, all amusement having drained from his features* ...You purchased these at a store just before coming here, didn't you.
Rhoda: *sits back in shock for a moment, her cover blown. Her mouth hangs open ajar, unable to get any words out* ….!
Edgeworth: *pulls out the receipt from the bag, and presents it* From a... Krogers, no less.
Rhoda: ...... *stares dumbfounded, eyes and mouth agape*
Rhoda: P-please, I can explain...!
Edgeworth: Now, whyever would you do such a thing? Was it simple vanity? *jabs a finger forward* Or did you actively wish to make a fool of me? Perhaps you wished to compensate for your atrocious taste in design and "high fashion"?
Rhoda: *gasps at the accusation* What!? I-I just...! *her embarrassment quickly transforms into anger* H-How dare you! I know I shouldn't have lied...but that was uncalled for!
Edgeworth: *doesn't quite pound the table, but sets down his hand rather hard on the surface* Then tell me-- the meaning behind these falsehoods, this whole exaggerated charade--what was your game? What is it you're after?
Rhoda: *sure sounds like a pound to her..! She glares with her arms crossed* You do not need to pound the table nor raise your voice at me! My intentions were strictly innocent, I assure you!
Rhoda: *mortified beyond belief with her pride absolutely tarnished, she abruptly stands, picking up her wine glass along the way. Anger and embarrassment make a deadly combination and completely mute her senses. To the horror/amusement of the patrons witnessing this debacle unfold in front of their very eyes, she splashes its red contents all over Edgeworth's face*
Rhoda: Hmph! *with a pout like no other, she promptly snatches up her purse and storms out of the posh restaurant without another word*
Edgeworth: *sits there in stunned silence, drenched in expensive wine and the stares of the other diners. A waiter finally shows up, to offer him another cloth napkin. Edgeworth sighs, pats dry his face... and then considers*
Edgeworth: *Dressing up to impress, and match... spending a fair chunk of money to purchase a gift--lying about a common interest, which sparked the need for a meeting to begin with. And all those particular looks and smiles through the whole time...*
Edgeworth: *And... eureka! The pieces of logic finally align. Startled--genuinely surprised at the conclusion he'd come to realize for the first time, he sits there at the table for a moment longer... then stands, and excuses himself to the washroom. Further consideration of the revelation will have to wait until he's cleaned up*