[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.]

[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.

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[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.

[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.]

[cravats]

No, I'm upset with the community for giving you this ridiculous idea.

[chapter_behind]

There's nothing ridiculous about it, love.

[cravats]

How long have you been engaged?

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[carriesparasol]

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

We must discuss the center pieces.

[chapter_behind]

[Randolph, stop asking these complicated questions!]

--Quite some time!

[cravats]

Considering that it is such an important date I am sure that you would have a more precise memory.

[He sighs.]

James, it really is a virus. Trust me.

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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?

[chapter_behind]

I think perhaps you are virused.

[cravats]

You can't even tell me the date of your engagement.

[chapter_behind]

I simply don't appreciate being interrotgated in this manner.

[cravats]

Then perhaps you can tell me how you came to the decision to marry my ex-lover's daughter? It seems somewhat... abrupt.

[chapter_behind]

Alexia and I have always cared for each other. Really, Randolph, it's not like we haven't discussed this at length.

[cravats]

You have always been friends, but certainly not close enough to marry- even if she were not already married to Conall.

[He takes a deep breath and sips his tea. Mustn't get over-excited.]

And we really haven't. You only believe that because the community has forced you to.

[healinguilt]

Cranberry and champagne are sound colours for a wedding.

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

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[carriesparasol]

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