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A baroness in her own right, without the burden of a father or uncle to dictate the terms, was a rare thing indeed and Nalan Das was a lover of such things. If his father had no faith in his son to mature and bring up the family name and provide a foothold in English society then Nalan had to prove him wrong, preferably before either of his sisters made great matches. “It was not a need to call on you my lady, but a desire. I find there are few in London who can compare to your beauty and I assume your wit so I had to come and call on you. If you are busy I can come another day, but I will be disappointed.” Despite what others believed, Nalan Das could be compelling when he desired to be, he had been raised in England throughout his education and being well travelled was enough to have those in Cambridge eager to befriend him, but that could also have something to do with the ever-growing Das wealth that had all of England jealous of the fact. “I do not mind at all, any time I spend in your presence is time well spent but I would much rather do something you enjoy, whatever it is I promise I shall not judge.”

The compliment was appreciated, although she wasn't entirely sure how much she truly believed it was much of a desire as she'd never spoken to Mister Das before today. But she was aware that it would not be polite to say anything on his comments, as flattering as they were. She knew that she was nice to look at, it had been one of her mother's favorite insults, but he was also certain that she'd never been told that there were few other young ladies who could compare to her appearance wise, yet something else she was sure wasn't entirely accurate. "I do hope that you do not find yourself disappointed with my beauty or my wit" she told him as she motioned for him to follow her out of the drawing room. The gardens were her latest project in her home renovation, she'd wanted to make them as beautiful as the ones she'd left behind in the country estate. She'd spent years on those, and she was aware that it would take some time for these gardens to reach the same level as the others, but she was working on it. "I do enjoy walks through the gardens, I am merely halfway done with those renovations, there's a specific high standard I had for them, and it is taking a little longer than previously anticipated to get them where I want them" in her mind they had to not only be beautiful but also had be cohesive. That was what created a beautiful garden in her mind. "My other hobbies would require far less walking" she admitted as she led him through the doors to step out into the gardens.

THE WOMAN'S WORDS ARE TAKEN WITH A HEFTY AMOUNT OF SERIOUSNESS IN PIET’S CAREFUL, plotting nature yet as she talks, careful eyes scan the room that gives credence that nobody was worrying. Beneath the surface that is presented to the world, a smile is suppressed that would give away the satisfaction and relief felt. Nobody cared. There was no fear about what happened. “It looks as if you are right and nobody here has even a shred of worry about what transpired. It seems highly likely that it was an accident and the gossip has gotten out of hand with painting words to cloud our minds of false nefarious deeds.” To pay for one's own protection would show to the world how weak a person was was a philosophy embedded deep in Piet’s psyche and put to the test many times throughout various situations. If a Captain could not protect himself, he could protect his crew and was not worthy of such responsibilities. “Money can buy many things if the price is high enough and I have found it mostly buys illusions. Illusions of power, illusions of status, of feelings, connections. If it can be purchased then it is not real. A higher price can cause compromises so I believe it best not to rely on the money attached to you and instead reliance should be shifted to a person's character and actions.”

She wondered how accurate he was in his assessment of the situation concerning the body. A part of her was more keen to agree with him, but of course there was a part of her that was still unsure. Maybe she was merely being paranoid and she should let it all go, but there was always that worry for the unknown and that ever present knowledge that not everything was what it appeared to be sometimes. "I hope you are correct in your assessment and it was nothing more than a dreadful accident" she said finally after a few moments of deliberation. When he said that money merely bought illusions she gave him a curious look, she was certain that she had never heard someone be so blunt in their expression on the things that money could provide someone. "I disagree, money can buy illusions, but it can also become a tool in which you can use to aid in the betterment of one's life. After all there are things that money can buy that benefit you, and help you, their realness becomes moot" money could easily buy her freedom if she had enough of it, and that would be real.

DESPITE THEIR COURTING NOT ENDING THE WAY EITHER INTENDED, Piet was still kind as someone like him could be when it came to Catherine for a few reasons and one was simply that the woman earned his kindness and the other that there was a good reputation attached to her name that a friendship would benefit from. “Should you invite me then I will make certain that I will attend your dinner party.” Talk turning to the body at the end of masquerade was a dangerous topic to engage with yet it was also a necessary one otherwise Piet would be left unawares. “I do believe that we are safe and that there is nothing to worry about. Had it been something to make us fear, we would certainly know it by now. No name has been given to the poor man although I do hear some people whispering that he may not have been the most reputable. Some people get caught up in things they cannot withstand, I suppose.”

"I am so relieved that you would accept my invitation" she assured him with a smile. After all she'd been so certain that they might not likely speak again after their failed courtship, she found that she enjoyed his company whenever they did manage to have some time together. She could easily differentiate the difference in enjoying his company as a friend, moreso than as a potential husband, and luckily he seemed to be of the same mind. At the talk of the body she did feel slightly uneasy about the whole situation. Even through his assurances, she still felt as if there was still some form of danger in the air, even if it didn't directly affect her. "I certainly hope you are correct in that, it is unnerving to think that there could be a person out there willing to hurt others" but she knew that worrying about it would do her no good, "All in all, there's hope that we will all be able to continue with our daily lives without worry"

There were too many things to discuss and too few hours in the day to do so, more so when Nalan had his business partners got together. The more they spoke, the more it involved laughter with the latest news from Bath or the scandalous places in France they had all become frequent patrons, whatever it was Nalan scarcely noticed the cool shade they had all wondered into. It was only when he turned to see another sitting by his side. “Miss Park is it not, I do not believe we have had the pleasure so perhaps you can forgive me intruding on your solitude.” Nalan gestured for his business partners to leave them, which they did after a second or two of hesitation before he extended his hand for her to shake. The Park family was not one that Nalan was all too familiar with but this was the first year his own family were invited to take part, which afforded them a certain caché around town. “Do you often spend such a fine morning in the park or has something new here tempted you away from your familiarity?”

She tried to place a name to the face, but there were so many gentleman around that she sometimes forgot who was who. But he apparently had a much better memory than she did as he named her with some ease, slightly strange, but maybe that was one of his skills. "Yes, and you're not intruding, this is a public bench after all" and the last thing she needed was to be rude to another person and end up having to deal with more negative comments from more people. She looked curiously as he dismissed whoever it was that had been accompanying him, and they let without much complaint, definitely interesting. When he offered his hand, she shook it, although the greeting felt somewhat off? Maybe it was because it was rare for that to be a form of greeting between a man and a woman. Again as they shook hands she tried to recall his name, but she was coming up with a rather large blank. She would have to implore her mother to invest in those small portraits that they handed to the younger ladies upon their entrance into the marriage mart. "I take a walk every morning, normally accompanied by my brother but he had business to attend to this morning" she admitted, "My parents are over there, they accompanied me this morning. I do apologize but I do not believe I know your name?"

Being new to London society allowed for many opportunities to come across complete strangers, this particular situation being one of those moments. Yet the person who was now joining her seemed to be friendly enough, and that meant that this would hopefully be a pleasant conversation. She hadn't had to answer any intrusive questions as of yet when it came to the few people she'd met that were a part of London society, but there was always the risk. "Nothing in particular, just enjoying the feeling of the fresh air" not a lie but of course not necessarily the whole truth either. After all she wasn't sure the types of looks she would get if she admitted to being a widow who was still young enough to participate in the marriage mart. "Was that your goal as well? To take in some fresh air?"

Natalia glanced around, noticing the children running up and down hills whilst laughing their heads off. It was a sight to see, one that made her smile ear to ear. As she opened her mouth to speak, Natalia turned to Ara just to see a frown. Natalia mimicked her expression, allowing her hands to fall into her lap. “Is something troubling you?” Despite being a complete stranger, Natalia hoped Ara would open up to her.

She also wasn't entirely sure she trusted her with her current thoughts, after all there was a reason why the marriage mart was as difficult as it was at some points. It was also why Ara had a certain group of other young ladies who seemed to thrive off of the fact that she had once been part of the merchant class and did not deserve to participate in the social season. She pushed the thoughts away to not ensure her face turning anymore sour than it already apparently was. "I do not feel comfortable sharing my troubles or lack thereof with a stranger, I do apologize"

"I wasn't offering it on a permanent basis, merely while my current stable hand is away handling his affairs" Wildflower was particular on who she allowed near her, it was why Catherine had brought her along later, bringing with her the new stable master that she had hired upon her mother's death. "You would be doing me a great favor as she is particular about who handles her" and she'd seemed to be okay with him when he'd found her in the stables before the archery event. "I also feel like Miss Windham will also appreciate having you closer, as I have also invited her to reside in my home for as long as she needs it" maybe he would accept then, although she was unsure if it had been wise to tell him that.

No matter where Sophia had turned the people were relentless with their questions about the new king and queen. Too many had asked how King Arthur’s views compared to the old king and others had asked if Queen Alisa had intentions of naming a new diamond, something which offended Sophia greatly but still she kept her composure and smiled at every question. The princess was also inundated with offers to join others for different events to show off that the second in line to the throne for now but fortunes could change, evidenced by the former kings untimely demise and yet she could not grieve a father, Sophia had to celebrate her brother’s elevation in the world no matter the cost. “I think I prefer to stand, if others see me sitting then they tend to flock and I am hoping to avoid them entirely.” Sophia turned to see the new face and for the life of her, she could not place the woman and the princess hated to be caught off guard with such a thing. “You are new to London, are you not? I fear you have come at a sorrowful moment in England, but I suppose the celebrations for the new king should come soon.” 

"It will likely be a very bittersweet situation, the sadness from the passing of the king, but the hope that the new king will do many amazing things with his reign" she agreed. Realizing that she should introduce herself, "I do apologize, I am Maya Ch--Das" it was difficult to not refer to herself by her married name as she had used it for quite a long while. Old habits were quite difficult to break.

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THE PLANNING OF EVENTS WAS BEYOND PET’S CAPABILITIES WITH NO REASON IN THE PAST OR PRESENT TO HOLD ANY OTHER THAN THOSE MOMENTS ON A SHIP. Those moments were best unplanned and enjoyed in the spontaneity of the night, in celebration or in mourning. “A good dinner can be just as good as a grand event. I have worked all my life and remember the moments when myself and my workers would get together for that time. The food was never much good yet it was the company and the atmosphere that all enjoyed. It would be similar to your dinner except I imagine the food would be much improved.” It’s friendly in the voice and sincere with no lie or fabrication attempt. “Whatever happened has not affected everyone's high praises of the night that is most fortunate for everyone. It could be that our safety is of no concern, that it was an unfortunate accident.”

She smiled when he agreed that a good dinner would be just as good as a grand event, finding that she was relieved that he didn't find her inability to plan an event as bad as others might. After all what proper lady was not aware of how to run an event in her own home, but it wasn't as if her mother had allowed her to be involved when she held parties for her friends in their country estate, and the parties grew fewer the older she got, meaning she was completely inexperienced in that knowledge. "Perhaps can persuade you to attend the dinner should I decide to plan for it" she wasn't entirely sure if he'd accept the invitation, but she hoped that he would at least consider it. An unfortunate accident, she thought back to other unfortunate accidents she had already experienced in her life, which brought on the thought that the authorities would likely not believe it was an accident, "I certainly hope so, it would be awful to think that we are not safe, especially those of us who cannot count on family to keep us company" she wasn't alone by any means, the staff that now resided in her home was obviously present, but she had no one else.

THE ELITE OF SOCIETY WOULD HAVE LITTLE TO NO REASON TO INTERACT WITH THE AUTHORITIES ENOUGH TO GAIN INFORMATION THAT PIET COULD USE. To poke around would not bode well and cause more eyes in his direction that would bring about complications. “They would not inform anyone such as myself since I am a mere merchant although I had an idea that the authorities would look after the more important people in the area.” In most cases and situations those who sworn to protect people or have some virtuous mask such as working for the law were the first to be corrupted or that had been the experience Piet had known and also exploited in the past. “You think that the Lytton family might have more details about what happened and are keeping it close?” An interesting predicament yet not unexpected given the circumstances.

She nodded as he explained he likely would not receive information either, which of course only further proved her point. Although she did hope that her thoughts were not correct and they were truly safe, the last thing that they all needed was to worry about possibly losing their lives because there was someone out there with some sort of uncontrolled bloodlust. "Considering the amount of staff many of the members of the ton have, they might not have to worry about protecting them in general" she pointed out. After all it was rare to be alone when you always had someone trailing you in an effort to ensure that your reputation was safe. "Mister Drake you are a merchant, but you also have money, meaning that you are just as important as someone with a title, after all you have the means to pay for your protection" after all he also likely had the ability to have staff members follow him as well if he truly wanted it. "It's the most likely situation, after all, the act happened in their home, they'd have to be working very closely with the authorities and would not want to share anything with anyone else"

She let the quiet hum of the tea room settle between them, the clink of cups and low murmur of voices filling the space like a distant melody. “Tell me,” Sarah continued, leaning in just slightly, “did you enjoy the masquerade?” There was a flicker of playful curiosity in her eyes. “Lady Whistledown was practically glowing about your attire. It must be a rare compliment, to be sung so sweetly by her pen.” The words were light, but beneath them was a genuine admiration.

"Of course, I wouldn't have offered if I minded" she assured her with a small smile. Almost as if she had overheard, her lady's maid returned with more sweet treats, and another fresher pot of tea for the both of them. She excused herself to sit at a nearby empty table with her own treats, as she tended to do whenever Catherine ended up with company. Catherine thanked her quickly, which earned her a smile from her lady's maid as she then turned her attention back to Sarah. "You were busy, and when I began the renovations for my home, that also ate up so much of my time" she said, Catherine had been so grateful to the Murray's for allowing her to have a roof over her head until her own home was ready, it had been truly a gift. She wished that they had been able to reconnect while she had still been at the Murray home, but maybe they could do it now. "You are always more than welcome to visit should you need a reprieve from your home, I hope you know that" she assured Sarah as she blew on her tea gently to ensure she did not burn herself once again. After she took a small sip, she reached for one of the delicate treats that her lady's maid had brought, taking a small bite as she allowed the sugar to envelop her, as it always did when she had her favorite treats with her tea. "It was enjoyable, I did have to leave quite early unfortunately so I was not able to enjoy it to my original intent" she admitted, "As for Lady Whistledown, I do believe she merely spoke compliments as I did not get into any particular mischief for her to exploit" after all her early departure had obviously ensured she did not do anything for the gossip writer to write about, "And you, did you enjoy yourself?"

She closed the book of poetry rather quickly as she realized she had not been as alone as she had initially believed. She turned her gaze to the voice, trying to put a name to the face before her, but failing completely. It didn't help that she was not particularly adept at remembering faces, she had to meet someone multiple times to get a solid grasp, and even that sometimes did not end well for her memory in that sense. "I've never been fond of poetry in general" she admitted, "And unfortunately this is not the set of poetry that will awaken something in me, therefore maybe you are correct in saying that this isn't a volume for me" it wasn't that it was bad, just, it did not awaken any form of emotion out of her. "Do you have an aptitude for poetry?" she asked curiously as she looked at him, "Or do you find it as dull as I apparently do?"

3.07 Joining of Hands

Sitting upright again, Kavika fiddles with the gloves on her hands, giving herself something to do with the anxious energy she’s built up. “Do you think we can find a way to ditch Nalan?” His current path of repairing the damage that she has caused is wearing on her patience. “Between him and Papa, I don’t know how much more of this I can take.” Kavika is very close to faking a courtship with someone titled just to get their father and older brother to stop interfering with her love life. The fact that this was the top plan on her list of five is a clear indication that the other four options are perhaps equally of the same ilk, or worse.

She had already had a few conversations with their parents about how she much explore her options and remarry, since her husband's family had not left her with any real money. According to her parents she was still young enough to be able to remarry and possibly still begin a family as she had originally planned to do. "He will likely get angry" she admitted to her sister, "But that might make it a far more entertaining morning" she laughed quietly, looking around to ensure no one was paying them any attention, "Let's take a stroll"

The carriage came to a stop and Nalan took a moment to take in the newly renovated House Braye in all of its glory, stepping down from his carriage Nalan had to appreciate the fine architecture that was evident of Miss Braye’s wealth and she managed it all without a husband. Well, if things were to go the way Nalan had wanted then Miss Braye would soon have help in these sorts of matters and a possible husband who was business minded was hardly anything to scoff at. Nalan wore his second best waistcoat which of course was made from the finest Das silks his father had brought in, a walking advertisement he had said, and Nalan was more than happy to show off his family’s wares. In the crook of his arm was a bouquet he had picked himself which had orchids, deep red roses and of course some tulips scattered in there. It was a grand bouquet and if it was unclear what Nalan intended, then he would have to be more direct if he wanted to become the baron. He was ushered into the drawing room by one of the serving staff and Nalan made a point to be friendly to each of them, thanking them for guiding him and asking if they would join him for a refreshment while they waited for Lady Braye. Servants talked and Nalan wanted to ensure that only good things were spoken of him. “I beg your forgiveness for my intrusion but I saw you briefly at the masked ball and I had this overwhelming feeling of needing to call on you Lady Braye and when I saw these flowers, it almost felt like a crime to keep them hidden.” Nalan paused as he tried to take in Lady Braye’s reaction, wondering if she was believing the man and actions he put before her. He could be charming when it called for it and right now Nalan knew he needed more charm than ever before to court a baroness and more so one that had been so independent. “I was admiring your garden when I arrived, if it is not too much trouble do you mind if I have the honor of a tour with you as my guide? Conversing amongst such beauty of the blossoms with another more pleasing is always a recipe for a day well spent.”

Strange as she hadn't had any callers since her return to this house, as such she wondered who it was. She left her books in the small study that had once belonged to her father, and she was using as her essential study room as she entered the drawing room. Mister Das. She remembered seeing him once or twice since her arrival into the Ton and she had met his sister briefly already. At his words, she wondered just how honest he was being, yes her costume had not hidden her very well, but her face had still been at least somewhat obscured by the mask, so how would he have known it was her. The flowers were beautiful, that much as true, "I am flattered you felt the need to call on me" she told him with a small smile, one of the maids walked forward to receive the flowers from Mister Das, as he spoke again, asking if she would show him the gardens. She had begun work on them, they were not where she wished them to be, but in a much better state than they had been upon her return to London, "If you don't mind that it'll likely be a short tour, a part of the garden area is still being worked on" she admitted.