Chapter 8: Parliamentary Whispers

Emily tried her best to look attentive as Parliament debated the necessity of new roads between the Driscol and Poolwick. It was the first session since her reversal of the coup, and even though it was not strictly necessary for her to be there, she thought it best to at least show up and observe. Corvo stood at her left, his eyes glazed over as he stared into the middle distance. She could relate to such boredom, but it would be regressive to allow her mind to wander. After all, did she not resolve to be a more attentive leader?

So Emily scratched out notes in a beat-up notebook. So far the main argument was between MP Baldwin of Driscol, MP Haversham of Old Lamprow, and MP Anderson of Poolwick. Anderson proposed a direct road to Driscol to "foster better interior trade relations". Haversham lead the opposition of the new road, arguing that Old Lamprow was better located to fulfill trade needs than Poolwick. Baldwin seemed to sway between the two arguments like a pennant in a wind storm.

"Such a trivial argument."

Emily jumped, unable to keep her head from whipping up and right to see the Outsider staring out to the Parliament floor below, chomping on an apple. Corvo's eyes slid to glance at him and he let out a long sigh; other than that, he made no indication that he saw the Outsider. Emily surreptitiously glanced around the upper landing; fortunately nobody was looking in their direction.

"It is folly for Poolwick to request a road to a city that has no need of them," the Outsider continued. "It already has river and road access to Dunwall and Potterstead."

Emily was not certain how to respond to him. She did agree with his point- the road was utterly unnecessary and if Poolwick wanted it to be made they should talk with Driscol one on one and fund its construction themselves. Finally the debate closed and a motion the table the measure was proposed.

"How did someone as wavering as Harold Baldwin get elected?" the Outsider grumbled, punctuating his remark with a bite of his apple.

"He is very popular with his electorate," Emily replied quietly, starting up a new section in her notebook as the motion successfully passed and a bill regarding the regulation of travelling salesmen was proposed.

"Yes, because he is particularly talented at following directions and not much else."

"Is it not the job of the MP to carry out the wishes of their electorate?" Emily asked, trying her best to listen to the debate on the floor. So far it was in favor of the measure. MP Ryswell of Redmoor spoke passionately of poor mothers being swindled as they tried to buy medicine for their sick children. MP Haversham argued on the reliance rural communities had on such salesmen, and how they deserved just as much quality protection as the city dwellers.

"He barely brings the wishes of Driscol to the House floor," The Outsider retorted, his voice cutting through MP Moore of Whitecliff brief assent. "The Baron Sturgess should just run for MP if they want to have any sort of influence. For the second wealthiest city of Gristol they have amazingly little clout in Parliament."

He looked like he was going to say more, so Emily shushed him. MP Baldwin was about to add his two cents, and she had to admit the Outsider's distaste of Baldwin made her curious about his opinions.

"When I was a lad of fifteen we had an incident involving a salesman by the name of Peter Smalls. Peter would visit our house once a month to sell ribbons, handkerchiefs and buttons to the staff. The maids took a shine to him, and his goods were uncommonly good. I myself purchased a handkerchief from him as a gift to my little sister, who was delighted with the present."

The Outsider crossed his legs and floated beside her, finishing off his apple as MP Baldwin somehow digressed into describing his little sister's collection of handkerchiefs.

"That dear sister of his bought quite a few handkerchiefs from Dunwall during the plague years," the Outsider whispered in her ear. "Sickened a fair amount of staff and caused a small panic that forced her and her household into the countryside. It is well-kept secret of the Baldwin Family, just a few words away from being spilled by Harold."

"But back to Peter Smalls."

Emily glanced over at the Outsider and had to stop herself from laughing at his pout. How eager he must have been to see a secret spilled. That wish was denied by Baldwin going on a completely different tangent about all the members of his household staff fifteen years ago. Other MPs on the floor were beginning to look irritated. Anderson was doodling on his copy of the bill, while Moore looked like he was about to fall asleep. Emily half wondered if the Outsider had any more interesting facts about the Baldwin family.

"MP Moore has a shrine to me in his basement," he whispered, amused. "His prayers often involve his unsuccessful wooing of potential mistresses and misleading his pious wife."

Emily could not help but make a small noise of surprise, watching the elderly man doze off as Baldwin described the cook in detail. "I can guess why his wooing is unsuccessful."

"Be careful not to be in a room with him alone," the Outsider cautioned seriously. "Moore is a man who is only aware of his own shortcomings around other men."

She turned to him, truly surprised. The Outsider continued to stare down at the Parliament floor, his frown growing. "I would like to give the same warning of Haversham, Bunting, and Inchmouth. Disgusting creatures, the lot of them."

Corvo grunted in assent. Emily slowly nodded, reeling somewhat at the sudden warnings.

"Thank you," she murmured, not knowing what else to say. "I appreciate the warnings."

The Outsider shrugged. "If I did not mention it to you I would have told Corvo."

"Inchmouth was a new name to me," Corvo chimed in softly.

They went quiet for a moment, all three listening Baldwin finally finishing up his description of his household staff.

"Still, it was kind of you to mention it," Emily said, trying to catch the Outsider's eye. He looked back at her, his pale face expressionless. "Especially when you did not have to."

He blinked and turned away rather quickly, staring out at the floor. If she did not know better, Emily would say that he was embarrassed.

"You deserved to know," he replied flatly.

Emily smiled, and turned her attention back to MP Baldwin.

"So Peter Smalls ran away with three of the chamber maids and three gold bars, and that is why I believe that this bill will be good for the people of Gristol."

Well… she certainly had missed a thing or two. It was a pity it was the most interesting part of the story.

Author's Note
Thank you all for reading so far, especially those who have followed and favorited! Please consider leaving a review if you like the story or disliked some part of it.