[Accidental text]

[chapter_behind]

[The following is a handwritten note, hastily penned on a scrap of parchment and clearly meant to be private. One might even think it was meant for Randolph, except that the note is very clearly addressed to Lady Alexia Maccon at the top.]

Sweetheart,

I think cranberry and champagne would be perfectly lovely colors for a wedding, and I'm sure you'll agree as they're both things one can eat. I've no doubt you have some objection or other, so I'll come by for tea and you may list them a length.

Yours always,
James

[The observant reader may notice a few errant crumbs, all that is left of James's brack.]

Comments

[actionspam!]

[carriesparasol]

[Alexia had received James letter in the usual way, but she also found herself reading it on the community. She sighed over the community's constant need to be a busybody as she took a seat in the parlor. Most of the wolves were out on various sorts of business, and thank goodness some bit of BUR business had sent Conall away for at least a week. Otherwise this virus would have been difficult to explain later...

As it was, Alexia was enjoying some tea and tarts as she went over that things she did, in fact, have to object to when James joined her.]

Re: [actionspam!]

[chapter_behind]

[James knows his fiance so well. Alexia is never happier than when she's arguing about something, is she?

James comes in precisely on time, taking off his hat because of course it would be terribly rude to wear it in the presence of a lady.]

Good afternoon, sweetheart.

Re: [actionspam!]

[carriesparasol]

Good afternoon, dear. [She smiles coyly as she takes a sip of tea.]

We must discuss the center pieces.

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[chapter_behind]

[He's not falling for that, Alexia. He knows you much too well.]

What is your objection now, my dear?

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[carriesparasol]

There are far too many flowers. We can't have the guests sneezing all over the place.

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[chapter_behind]

Flowers are charming. No one is going to sneeze.

[He likes the flowers, Alexia. See this linefais?)

[actionspam!]

[carriesparasol]

[She sees. And ignores.]

Flowers are charming when in small groupings, or in a garden where there is air enough to breathe. As it is they will have to be scaled down in size.

[actionspam!]

[chapter_behind]

Flowers are perfectly common indoors. You, my dear, are being quite ridiculous.

[He'll sip some tea looking over the plans. He likes the flowers, Alexia!]

[cravats]

James, dear...

[This is a virus and it is also ridiculous. Haven't they been through enough?]

I believe you may be labouring under a delusion.

[chapter_behind]

What delusion, love?

[James looks terribly concerned, because one never knows when one might be virused. Also, heeeeeeee, Randolph called him 'dear'. In public, no less!]

[cravats]

Lady Maccon is already married, my sweet.

[He is being very gentle about this.]

[chapter_behind]

Of course she is.

[Randolph, what are you trying to say? And why are you speaking to him like he's an imbecile?]

[cravats]

Bigamy is illegal. You must be virused.

[Because he is trying not to get upset or burst out laughing, neither of which would be polite.]

[chapter_behind]

I assure you, I'd know if I was.

[Glossing past that 'bigamy is illegal' bit because LOL LOGIC WHAT LOGIC? VIRUS!]

Now please, stop this nonsense. I want your input on decorations.

[cravats]

I am definitely not going to get involved with this. You can't marry Lady Maccon.

[Not only is bigamy illegal, she is Randolph's ex-lover's daughter. It just won't work out.]

[chapter_behind]

Are you upset with me?

[Now you made him sad, Randolph.]

[healinguilt]

Cranberry and champagne are sound colours for a wedding.

[ She had no idea you were engaged, tho'. ]

[chapter_behind]

Thank you. At least someone agrees.

[healinguilt]

Did you two pick out the date yet?

[chapter_behind]

Early next month. You are, of course, invited.

[healinguilt]

A month away? [ How to put this. ] How long have you two been engaged?

[chapter_behind]

Quite some time. Why is everyone so nosy today?

[healinguilt]

You... I wasn't under the impression you were to be married next month last time we spoke. [ Like wouldn't that have come up in convo or... ]

[Text]

[captainwhelp]

[Just...confused...forever. Wasn't Lady Maccon already engaged? Or had he misheard?]

Norrington?

Re: [Text]

[chapter_behind]

Yes, William?