Post by Carlotta on Dec 19, 2007 17:42:20 GMT -5
- The Present -
Having returned home after spending a few hours within the King's Ale House, she found her father to be awaiting her in the sitting room. Doing her best to be quiet as she entered, tip toeing towards the stairs in hopes to miss attention. Such would not be her luck tonight.
"Carlotta!" He'd not bellow out her name, just loud enough to gain her attention and have her enter where he sat.
A sigh passed her lips as she glanced towards the room. She then squared her shoulders and a lift of her chin, made way into the sitting room where her father awaited. "Yes father?" Moving around to the front of his chair, standing just to the right side with her back facing towards the fire's warmth he sat before.
Looking up at his daughter, he'd remain quiet for a long moment. Such a beautiful woman she was, she could have any man of her chosing, but instead she toiled away her days and nights upon those books. If she would just settle down, then she'd rid herself of this foolishness of becoming a Barrister, and how much easier his life would be. "Sit child, I wish to have a few words with you!"
She was tired, and still wished to study the law books in her room for a few hours before retiring. It looked as if this was going to not be the case. Shifting she'd settle upon the ottoman before him, turning to look upon her father's face. "If this is about me getting married again father, you're wasting your breath. I have no intentions of doing anything of the like, anytime soon."
What a quick temper she had, ready to debate before words were even spoken. A part of her that came from him. He adored her, was proud of the intellect she had, which so many young noble women lacked. "Why are you so against this child? Help me to understand, and perhaps I'll leave the matter be and ensure your mother does as well." Hands folded upon his lap as he looked upon her and listened.
Brows furrowed slightly, was he baiting her? Was this some elaborate trap? For a moment she remained silent as she thought over her answer carefully, then spoke. "There is no benefit of an arranged marriage for me, except to the man you make such an offer. You have the tobacco plantation, and your private practice. You're a man of self made wealth, and have all the land you need. I take care of the books, the staff, the hiring and firing of employees. I know you need nor want for anything, so I find the point of a marriage moot. Also, I have yet to meet the one that makes me feel, the way you or mother feels when you gaze upon each other...." A pause as she'd let those words sink in before continuing. "...Should I have to be bound to a loveless marriage, to be unhappy for the rest of my life, just because you or mother think I shouldn't be single?"
It was all he could do to hide that smirk that wished to form. She had the spirit of the Irish, there was no doubt of that, as well as brains and beauty. "No, I don't believe that is at all what we want for you my daughter." Leaning forward slightly, elbows resting upon his thighs as hands clasped between his knees. "We just don't want to see you throwing your life away persuing foolish dreams. I don't want to see you get hurt." Honest enough.
Eyes narrowed slightly, his words did strike a cord. "Foolish dreams are they father?" She nearly stood in that bout of anger, but retained her seat before him, although back did straighten. "They can't be too foolish, I gain an appointment as Barrister to the King. You of all people know that's not an easy position to get appointed to."
He couldn't debate with her there. She had gained a position at her young age, that he's tried to for his entire career. Resting back upon his seat he just looked at her a moment before speaking again. "Yes, I know quite well. I also know that it takes many years to gain such an appointment, and here you get your's shortly after you return. My main worry is that you may be used as a scapegoat, or worse...." A sigh to sound. "...Carly, my dear sweet Carlotta, you know how much you mean to me. I just want to protect you, to ensure you have a life of happiness."
"Then let me be to live my life, that's where I gain my happiness. Let me do this without constantly having to justify myself to you and mother. Have the faith in me you do your sons, father." When her step brother decided to follow the letter of the law, her father supported him fully. She only wanted this for herself.
Now that was a slap in the face. Was it not his fault she followed the road she did now? All those years he carried her with him to the office to spend time with her. Dressing her as a boy so she could work as a clerk. She did put up a good arguement, a great debate. The signs of a good Barrister indeed. Slowly he'd nod his head. "Alright..." Hand lifted to stop her from jumping up as she so often would when she got her way. "....but, only under one condition.." He'd meet her gaze.
And jump up she nearly did, her heart did skip a beat in knowing she'd not have to debate him or her mother daily anymore. It did drain her energy greatly. "And that is?" She'd not agree to anything until she heard it out.
"My condition is, if things start to get out of control, you leave. Just walk away. Don't let anyone talk you into doing anything you know is wrong, immoral, and unjust. You come to me immediately and let me at least try to help. .....Agreed?"
How could she deny such? If she got that deep and needed help, it would be nice to know there was someone to throw her a safety net. Head slowly nodded. "Agreed, father. I will come directly to you!"
It was the least he could ask, but he'd continue to watch over her none the less. Now he'd try to broach another subject that she always managed to avoid. "Are you ready yet to tell me where you've been for the past six years?"
This had her looking at him and features became stoic. How could she tell her father that for the passed six years she's sailed the seas with Pirates, partook in their looting and raides and then provided them legal aide to keep their necks from the gallows. Her dealing with the underground; thieves, assassins. How she took on the part of a Business Manager to gain cover for their operations, as well as seeking a place for all to hide under the very noses of the Royal House's that sought to destroy the men and women of the sea. Slowly she'd rise from her seat, leaning to place a kiss to her father's brow. "It's been a long day and night. I still have some studies I must tend to before I return to the court in the morning." Leaning back and standing. "Good night father." Before he could stop her, or make her pause, she turned and left the sitting room, all but running up those stairs to seek out her room.
"Good night lass." Called out after his departing daughter. A scowl upon his face at her avoidance of the subject. It just made him think the worse all the more. One day, one day she'll confide in him, he'd just need to be patient. Now he'd rise and make for his own room and bed.
Once in her room, she immediately crossed to where those three borrowed books rested. It was time again to start her studies, but not for her position as Barrister of the Court, these studies held a greater impact. She was studying the laws and history of not only the Soverign, but the Church. She was close to finding out how King Henry could by pass the Pope to gain his divorce from Katherine. A deadly game she entered, one where she placed herself between Church and State. Her work was for the good of the King, so she feared not his reprise, but, the Church? That was another story. If they found out her intentions they would have her arrested as a heritec and charge her. The only end for one who was taken prisoner by the Church, was death. Be it as a traiter to the Pope, or labled a witch and burned. She knew the way of the Catholics, as did so many who lived upon the Emerald Isle. Ireland has suffered at their hands; more so those like she who still clung to the Celtic ways. She had two siblings that followed the way of Priesthood. One a Druid Priest, the other a Druid Priestess. And if her name was associated with the Reaper of the Sea for whom she worked for the past six years, only then would she have to worry and fear the crown heads.
