Chapter 2: The lying Fox
The carriage arrived within the city gates in the early-afternoon. After a brief respite in a local tavern and the travel documents overseen that included a small interrogation style chat with Fredirick, (which took longer than Lady Fox hoped) they made their way to the Jannath estate. Lady Fox had made a useful acquaintance with Viscountess Jannath and was invited to be her particular friend and ward for the session. That is how you play their games you see, it's about making smart connections to survive the court's icy temperaments. Knowing a viscount or even a duke would have your name on many lips this session. And that was Lady Fox's plan, for she was to enter the marriage market alongside the Viscountess's youngest daughter, Elizabeth. Katnora, Lady Fox's servant, was sent ahead as confirmation that the invitation was received and to get her mistress's luggage (that was sent ahead) ready. It was mostly dresses and gowns because there was a ball later in the evening and she needed to look her best. These were her only gowns however, as to save for the trip and other expenses Lady Fox sold her most exquisite dresses.
They passed through The Wide and Temples District and made their way through Manorborn, where along the white cobbled promenade stood the Jannath Manor. The manor house was a fair prospect overlooking the rest of the city. It was a large, handsome, stone building, and white spiralling columns laced with ivy that twisted it with age. The Jannath servants were lined outside waiting to receive Lady Fox along with the Viscountess herself. Who was preceded by her two daughters.
The carriage stopped and Lady Fox took in a breath. If this rouse was going to be convincing, she had to put on a thick layer of the dramatics, maybe a few tears and fawning over the Viscountess's seniority.
The Viscountess's coachman opened the door and helped Lady Fox out of the carriage. She then made her way to the Viscountess herself and bowed.
The Viscountess eyed Frederick as he helped her servants with the luggage. He noticed but kept his head up as he took Lady Fox's luggage inside.
"Lady Fox, thank goodness you made it on time. How was your journey?" she said taking Lady Fox's hands.
This was her moment. "Oh, my dear Viscountess, thank goodness I arrived. There were bandits on the road, they stole most of my things." Lady Fox placed the back of her hand against her forehead like most actors did. "My servant, Frederick, managed to fend them off, but they took most of my gowns and jewels."
"Oh, my dear, you must come inside at once." The Viscountess was all shock, just as Lady Fox intended. "Victor, get Lady Fox a glass of brandy."
The Viscountess showed Lady Fox inside and took her to the Ladies parlour. Lady Fox played up a few tears and regaled a fake story about the family jewels that were lost forever.
"Have you told the city guards, my dear?" The Viscountess asked as she handed Lady Fox the glass of brandy. "Were these bandits dark elves? Goblins? A band of wild tieflings?"
"Oh, I could hardly tell you grace. We were ambushed as we took the road out of Waterdeep."
"You must be in shock. At least your servant managed to get you here in one piece," The Viscountess said. Lady Fox noted a hint ill-will towards her tiefling servant Fredrick in the Viscountess's voice. It seemed like racism was still alive and well in the city of crimson. "Will you be well enough to attend the ball this evening? This would be your Spring Debut after all."
The Spring Debut. This is the first ball of the session. Before the ball every new lady would be shown at court and present themselves to the council of four, Grand Dukes that hold sway over the cities nobility's marriage market. It was best to make a good impression as that would determine how one would fair in the session. Mothers will be showing of their daughters, mothers of sons will be trying to do the same even though most of the men are either dandies or rakes. This would be Lady Fox's first ball while being out in new society, she could not waste the opportunity to strike gold.
"Indeed, ma'am I think a ball would be the best distraction," Lady Fox said. "And I must see this splendid city at once."
The Viscountess shifted slightly awkwardly. Perhaps she found the quick change in discourse unusual. Lady Fox went on to explain while she was robbed on the road and it did deeply distress her, she wasn't going to let a bunch on ruffians ruin her prospects for marriage. She 'planned' to tell the city guards after this evening's ball. Lady Fox just hoped that these guards were just as useless as any other.
One of the Viscountess's daughters Aelina looked slightly vexed when Lady Fox spoke, while the other daughter (the youngest) Evette was smiling brightly and became quite excited about the ball.
"I'm glad you're coming. It will be quite the session to be sure." Evette sat on the edge of her seat. Lady Fox assumed by her age that is would be her first session out in society.
"Would this be your first ball, Miss Jannath?"
Evette nodded and then said, "This would be your third year, wouldn't it, Lina?."
"Evette!" Aelina hissed.
"It's your own fault Aelina, dear," The Viscountess chimed in. "There was a perfectly good match you had last session and you ruined it."
"Ma'am, the Earl of Underwatch was a dirty old dwarf who smelled like gin and picked his nose when he thought no one was looking."
"Yes yes, but you could have been a Countess and had an heir by now."
"Is that all you care about?"
"Aelina, my dear when you a mother yourself you'll want what's best for your children."
"You just can't wait to ship me off to gods knows-where." Aelina picked herself up and stormed out of the room.
The Viscountess sighed and took a sip of her tea that a servant had given her. "She has her father's temper to be sure."
Lady Fox couldn't help but feel sorry for Miss Aelina. Family fortunes and their titles normally pass down to the male heir. A daughter's role was to marry someone of importance and wealth so she could stop burdening her parents and start motherhood. There was no time for them to decide what she might like in a partner or if she even wanted one to begin with.
For some races there was no rush, unlike with humans. Elven children of nobility had at least fifty to hundred years of freedom from their parents until their biological clock started ticking loudly. When that happens, they are pushed into a marriage wherever they liked it or not.
"It is quite fortune you have me, my dear." The Viscountess turned to Lady Fox. "As my ward and dear friend, I shall take you to all the balls this session has to offer."
"I am forever in your debt, your grace." Lady Fox whole body relaxed as the Viscountess spoke. For now, she was safe.
"Though I do find it odd that your parents would send you all the way to Baulder Gate to find a suitor and to not occupy you."
"They had other matters to attend to." Lady Fox had actually written to the Viscountess posing as her parents to help in the matter of securing a marriage for her. For Lady Fox, who if you remember isn't using her real name, was not on the most greatness of terms with her family.
She downed the brandy in one go and was shown to her room.