The rest of the P4 were not so thrilled with the thought of Josie meeting some unknown man, especially when they knew that it was a former business partner who had taken all of her inheritance. Though this man appeared to have nothing to do with it, it made them skeptical at best of this man's intentions. Edgar was especially distraught about the whole business, and Gregory wondered how much of what he was showing was simply for show. The whole subject had only come up briefly as they had all sat down for afternoon tea in an empty room near the kitchens. It was raining heavily outside which was why they were taking their tea inside instead of outside. Edgar had of course insisted that Josie be the one to serve them tea, despite the fact that Gregory was certain that she had other chores to attend too.
Josie had only mentioned the former business partner off handedly when Edgar had asked how she was doing. By her reaction Violet knew that Josie was uncomfortable by the commotion, her eyes were downcast as she fidgeted under the scrutiny of the P4.
The rest of the P4 seemed genuinely concerned about her meeting the man, and Greenhill took on a particularly protective stance that irritated Violet for some unknown reason; but he kept his head down and kept his own thoughts to himself. Instead he took out his sketch book and started furiously drawing a caricature of Greenhill with a satyr's legs and large comical horns. For now it seemed like the only retribution he would have against the annoying Green house prefect.
Edgar sat in a large and overstuffed leather couch, his legs folded demurely and his chin resting against one hand. He looked to be lost in thought and he stared intently out the window.
"If you meet this man, my dear cousin, then I think it is wise that we all be there for you. Who knows what this man could possibly want? If he has pure intentions he would not mind the fact that a young lady has chaperones watching over her." Edgar stated, as he finally turned to focus on Josie.
She looked up as he spoke to her, and she gave a small shake of her head. "There's no need to do that Edgar, I appreciate your concern but Gregory already agreed to be there when we meet this man." She looked over at Gregory when she spoke and he glanced up to meet her gaze.
Edgar glanced over at him briefly with an unreadable look, one that was carefully expressionless; it did not bode well for what Edgar might truly be thinking. For such a lovely face, Edgar had a scary mind at times.
Gregory retreated under the force of that look and pulled his hood over his face as he continued to sketch. If Edgar had a problem with him it would just be a matter of time before he confronted him. There was no point in worrying about it till it actually happened.
He looked up at Greenhill and a thought occurred to him. "Greenhill I need a model, could you stand in front of me on the tip of your toes?" Violet asked in dead seriousness and Greenhill gave him a quizzical look but moved to comply. At least it got him away from Josie.
"Now why do you even need me to do this?" Greenhill asked as he assumed the stance in front of Violet. From the look of concentration in his face it looked like it was an uncomfortable position to maintain, Violet thought it was a good look on him.
Gregory shrugged and began to sketch again, "I just need a point of reference, and I thought that you'd be perfect." He kept his face expressionless as he continued to draw again, it was a landscape and it did not feature Greenhill in the slightest. But Greenhill did not need to know that.
Josie coughed politely to get the attention of those in the room, "I am going to meet this man, I can promise you that I will be perfectly safe. HE is coming here and it's not as if I am meeting a man in a dark alley to be kidnapped!" She said slightly exasperated. It seemed clear to Violet that the doting of Edgar and the rest of the P4 was beginning to grate on her nerves. If the others noticed they ignored it or did not care.
Edgar rose elegantly from the chair and moved to sit beside Josie; Gregory stopped sketching as he watched him sit down. Edgar placed a hand on her shoulder and gave a small sigh, it was a sound he had heard before; like the sound a parent makes when their child makes a decision that they do not approve of. It grated against his nerves.
Redmond gave Josie's shoulder a small pat, no doubt he assumed it was a brotherly gesture; but in actuality came off as more condescending than caring. Josie stared at him waiting for him to speak and said nothing during the whole exchange.
"I think that perhaps it would be best if all of us were there with you when you met this man. We are not sure of his intentions and at least in this way we can show our support. So when this man does arrive at the school we all want to be present when he meets you." Edgar gave a small and charming smile.
Violet knew that when he gave that smile there was no room to argue with him. Edgar was accustomed to having his plans followed. At least this request wasn't unreasonable. In fact it might turn out to be wise since they in fact did not know what this man wanted. At best he wanted to give his condolences, if he had malicious intentions at least she would be well protected by all of them. They would just have to wait and see.