WEEK 2 - CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

[maladied]

Let's retire in the countryside
Just as you wish it

Welcome to Hillbury

You come to in an intricately decorated dressing room. For those familiar with it, the style seems to be that of a Victorian manor house, and to those that aren't, even you can tell this is a stately room fit for the elite. In fact, you too, are decorated to match, fully dressed in luxurious suits or dresses, elegant and perfectly tailored, but still somewhat breezy and lightweight for the time period and class it belongs to. Looking outside, you get a view of a rolling and bright countryside. In the far distance, fields of crops and grazing cows can be barely spotted, but all of the nearby landmarks are elegant manors presumably similar to the one you stand in.

Comments

[maladied]

[She looks the two of them over for a tense moment, and then nods approvingly.]

At least some of the handsome young men at this party know how to show proper respect. But you needn't give me too much thanks, my son Gustav is in charge of all house affairs now. I only wish Henrietta could be down here enjoying the weather.

[She shakes her head ruefully.]

[taintedfayth]

How is she doing? I heard she had fallen ill. I do hope it is nothing too serious...

[Since she's already given him the perfect lead-in to this line of inquiry, it seems only natural to follow it.]

[rosietaintedglass]

The good weather seems to be holding, so God willing, Miss Henrietta can experience it for herself as she recuperates...

[He's keeping a weather eye on her entourage; maybe their reactions will also provide some clue as to how things are going with this illness or its circumstances.]

[maladied]

[The two valets seems to be preoccupied talking to eachother, but the maid, Eliza, is observing this conversation. So far she looks neutral.]

It's chronic, unfortunately. She's been of inconsistent health since little Barok was born, I fear.

[Hand to her cheek.]

All this talk of monsters and the occult wouldn't do her any good so I suppose it's just as well she's stayed in bed. But true, I do think the weather will do her good once she can step out of her room.

[The maid suddenly looks slightly nervous.]

[taintedfayth]

Might she be willing to accept visitors? If she is unable to attend the party, then perhaps we could go call upon her later to give her some company instead.

[Because if this truly is just a chronic illness, surely there could be no harm in being in close proximity to her.]

[rosietaintedglass]

It sounds as though she’s been having a bad spell, then.

[He glances at Seymour — it’s not a bad suggestion, but maybe a little forward coming from the two of them. He’s not sure of the exact etiquette here, but:]

It’s not a bad suggestion for her to have a little company. Our group has a variety of personalities, so we haven’t yet finalized who is going on the hunt. [nodding briefly to the others in attendance] Only if Miss Henrietta is up to it, of course.

[maladied]

[The maid speaks up;]

Sorry, Lady Henrietta is on strict orders from the doctor to be exposed to as few people as possible. Only myself and Lord van Zieks are allowed to see her at the moment.

[Octavia sighs.]

A simple no would have sufficed, Eliza. They don't need to know all the details. It's true, though. When she's having a bad spell they don't even allow me in to see her! Can you imagine? If Gustav wasn't my only child I wouldn't allow such restrictions in my own home.

[taintedfayth]

I see... how unfortunate. Please send her our best wishes that her health may improve soon, and let us hope that she will be able to attend the next party for herself.

[Hmm.]

[rosietaintedglass]

Yes, and perhaps Lord van Zieks and those of the family joining the hunt will bring back some good stories and trinkets to share with her. My understanding is that there is some impressive quarry to be had.