Brunch is finally over. More's the pity, really. Gillian has returned to her suite with another stack of books from the library, putting them down just inside the door and humming to herself as she goes to spread curtains open all over the place.
     The humming changes to singing, albeit under her breath, Veris Leta Facies from Carmina Burana. "The merry face of spring turns to the world, sharp winter now flees, vanquished; bedecked in various colors Flora reigns, the harmony of the woods praises her in song. Ah!"
     She stops and laughs, shaking her head a little. "Not exactly an operatic performance," Gillian murmurs to herself. She cracks a window open. "And not the right season for it. Oh well! This'll keep me awake." She sets out a notebook and pens, then stacks the books on the table and takes a seat, preparing to study, blithe and oblivious to what Fate has in store.

     "You have a lovely voice," Mahasti comments as she pours tea. "You and His Majesty should sing together. It is always the right season for music." She takes a seat at the dining room table and begins to organize the morning's correspondence.
     Fate is always kind enough to knock...
     And so it is on this late morning, brunch complete, that a knock sounds one-two-three on the doors to Gillian's room. Mahasti rises from her paperwork, gathering her white and golden robes around her as she moves to open the door. Her eyes are heavily kohled, painted in rich purple that draws out the plum in her eyes. Her features are mostly veiled but for her eyes.
     On the other side of the door is a woman who looks very much like her daughter, slender, elegant, her nails and make-up and hair just so. She has changed again into a grey, tweed skirt and tucked silk blouse, perfectly suitable for afternoon entertainment of the highest most important sort. Once a socialite, always a socialite.
     Zillah West blinks as she comes face to face with a Middle Eastern woman (if she only knew). "How do you do? I am here to see my daughter, Gillian." A delicate pause follows. "These are her chambers, are they not?'
     Mahasti bows her head and steps aside, opening the door for the woman. "Yes, it is," she says in her alto voice, serene as a midnight lake. Mahasti gestures to the living room as she closes the door. She steps gracefully behind your mother as your mother's quicker, clickier, more American steps sound upon the marble of the foyer.
     "Gillian..." she says, a smile and seeking in her tone. "Oh," your mother puts her hands to her face. "There you are." She looks at you a moment, smiling. That is the smile of a woman who knows her daughter is fulfilling everything she ever asked. "Don't you look lovely. And this room," she gushes, pivoting about.

     "Thank you. Maddie sings better than I do, actually, but I appreciate the compliment." Gillian smiles quickly and settles in her chair, prepared to begin making copious notes.
     She wasn't really expecting much in the way of company; she's dressed more for comfort than for company, having changed into a pair of designer jeans and a comfortably loose but still tailored men's white dress shirt that's been through the wash a few times too many to wear to the office. She stands now, looking a bit surprised. "Oh, um. Hello, mumsie. I'm glad you like it. Have you met Mahasti? Mahasti, this is my mother, Zillah." She looks half as if she'd like a rescue and half relieved; the other shoe hasn't dropped yet. Gillian pushes her hair back out of her face, moving to kiss her mother's cheek. "Mahasti was just pouring the tea, mumsie. Would you like a cup?"

     Zillah turns to look to Mahasti. "Hello, Mahasti. It's a pleasure to meet you. Tea? Well, yes, I think I would, if you don't mind. I'm getting used to the sudden winter..."
     Mahasti bows her head, "Salam," she offers the mother. "I am pleased to meet you also. I have the great pleasure of assisting your daughter," she continues as she pours tea for the mother. Plum-brown eyes lift to look to Gillian. There is a smile there for her in the color of them.
     Zillah smiles to her daughter, cupping her face just a moment. "I just cannot get over what you have discovered. I want to hear everything," her mother announces, her hand lowering. She moves to the sofas to take a seat, smiling, "Thank you," to Mahasti as she delivers tea. "It's quite the turn of events. I am breathless, I don't know about you!" Zillah lifts her tea for a sip, her legs folded daintily. "So," she smiles, "... how are you managing to balance all of your studies and all of this? I cannot imagine..."

     "Well, the time difference makes it easier. Ten days go by here for every day at Oxford, so I figure if I spend most of the time here, then I have plenty of time to get things done there," Gillian answers, a bit more confident as she feels she knows which tack her mother is going to take. "So I've been wrapping up the work on my master's thesis and lining up the research for my doctorate. I figure I should be able to finish my doctorate in plenty of time; it'll mostly be how long the committee keeps me changing things around that will hold things up."
     She accepts a cup from Mahasti with a murmur of thanks, a bit pink in the face as she moves to sit opposite her mother. "It isn't really that hard so far, mumsie. I mean, really, the biggest holdup is my studies here, trying to brush up on electromagnetic studies to make sense of how to apply it to magic here, while catching up on this world's cultures and politics and languages and economics. Fortunately, Balthazar's family has an amazing library, have you seen it yet?"

     "I haven't, no," Zillah replies with a stir. "I do hope we get a chance to tour the palace, let alone the city. Your father and grandfather seem less disposed to it but I would like to see it and get to know it better. After all, it is my daughter's home away from home. You do look as though this is agreeing with you. I'm so glad you're getting out and about and that you are investing in more than just your studies. Of course, your studies are important. I don't mean to belittle them but when you left for England I was just so worried that you'd be lost in the library and never get out and enjoy yourself." She sips at her tea. "And now you are in love with a King."
     Mahasti listens without listening. She begins to blend into the background, refilling the pot with fresh tea leaves and rising to tend once again to the mail.
     Zillah sighs, "I am just so happy for you, darling. You really can't possibly know how much. I know I've been so preoccupied with Preston." She pauses, "...well... all of the Prestons. And I know I really have been beside myself and probably difficult to deal with, but I do want you to know how proud I am of you. Rhodes Scholar, doctor, future queen. I thought, perhaps a leading researcher or the wife of a high ranking New England senator, but not a queen. How did this happen?"

     "I'm sure it can be arranged, with or without daddy and granddad. Just ask any of the royal family, and they'll probably be glad to set it up, mumsie." Gillian sips her tea, unconsciously sitting a bit straighter than she usually would, spine erect. "It is beautiful, although Maddie of course has been here longer than I have, and she's gotten to know more people."
     She brushes her hair back again, shifting restlessly. "I, um. Honestly, I don't really tend to think about Balthazar's title that much. Yes, he's a king, but right now, it's largely in name only, until he decides to take up his rulership in earnest. We've been discussing infrastructure for that, but he isn't really quite ready for that just yet. And, really, when we first met and he asked me out, I had no idea he had any titles. We met in London."

     "I can't imagine a better enterprise for you, honestly, dear. You are very organized, incredibly smart and polished. He's fortunate to have you." She purses her lips a moment in thought. "And while I was tolerant of what Madison wished, to be honest I haven't really given her the same consideration and effort as I had you and Preston. And perhaps she's better for that," she sips her tea, "I do not know. I am concerned about her. What is she doing here, now that she and Balthazar are not involved, and are the two of you alright with one another? I can imagine how awkward this must be."
     Mahasti neatly arranges three piles of mail: immediate, interesting, examples of what you can ignore. She glances up as the mother begins to discuss both daughters.

     She sneaks a glance at her mother, then looks down into her tea. "We're both fine with each other. There's really been no awkwardness at all, which is nice - she's been working pretty hard, actually. She managed to get into the arts academy here and is studying dance quite seriously. She performed during the coronation games, did anybody tell you more about it?" Gillian sips her tea instead of looking into it for a change. "She's really amazingly talented. And she's doing what I'm doing, using the time difference to get ahead on her studies in London, so she's not ignoring her schoolwork there. I don't think she's harboring any feelings for Balthazar, if that's what you're worrying."

     "I thought it was all a bit soon for her. And, no, I haven't even had the chance to see her yet. I am hoping she has time to pencil her mother in. But I am ...relieved that she is finding a place for herself. She's always been so flighty. First dancing, then surfing, then boys and shopping, then dancing. I think your grandfather's upset that none of you are looking to enter the family business. He's not happy about that. But," she exhales with a slight smile, "...nothing's written in stone, is it? Who knows, she might decide to dance all the way to the bank as a shipping magnate."
     Zillah pauses to wipe all that away with a smile. "So... let's talk about you and your fiance. Has he given you a ring yet? We have a wedding date. There's so much to do! Thank God for the time difference. Have you and he spoken about it? And I do want to get to know him. I'm thinking of getting on his calendar as well over the next day or so. Perhaps you and I can have lunch with him... do you know his availability for tomorrow? Tell me all about him...I know next to nothing.... apart from the fact that he is a good looking young man with power and money."

     She gives her mother a brief, dubious look, pressing her knees tightly together. "I don't think Maddie's flighty, exactly, mumsie. But she's only just turned seventeen, you know? Balthazar was her first serious boyfriend, and he didn't have any complaints about her." Gillian presses her lips together. "Anyway. Um, no, he hasn't given me a ring yet, yes, we've spoken about it; we're planning on getting married in fifteen months. That should give enough time for me to finish my studies and get a solid footing on things here."
     She looks into her tea again. "He's going to be fighting in the stadium tomorrow - he's off today, but he has a lot of meetings with the military today. So he won't be free again until the day after tomorrow. As for what he's like ... he's sweet, he's into music..." Gillian lifts a hand and lets it fall again helplessly. "He's kind, caring, considerate, compassionate... didn't you ask Maddie about him when they were going out? He's the same man, really. He's just, well, dating me now."

     Zillah pauses as you counter. For a moment, her body reflexively moves to argue. But then she stops. And then she sighs, waving her hands as if waving away the flies of her thought. "I don't know what I was thinking. Of course. Well, I am very proud of her for continuing her education and for getting into the academy. Her grandmother will be so pleased. And," she sighs again, relinquishing a modicum of control. "I shouldn't be so hard, so critical. I just want so much for all of my children."
     She pauses, her hands folding in her lap. "Fifteen months! That's barely enough time but... we can make it work, we can make it work. But we do need to get started on things. We can't afford to procrastinate. Now, we have the venue of course, the castle in Wales. The weather there can be so finicky. Do you wish to have it outside in those lovely terraced gardens? That would be so marvelous. The portraits will be incredible. I will make all of the arrangements so you can concentrate on your education and getting organized. Have you thought about a dress, at all? We will have it custom made, of course. Any particular designers?"
     Zillah calculates. "Hmm...day after tomorrow. I would like to meet him sooner, but I understand that he's terribly busy. Fighting?" she asks suddenly. "I thought he was a musician? Who is he fighting? Is he a boxer or...?" Or what, she really doesn't know. "And I don't mean to be nosy, but Madison told me preciously little while they were dating. Of course, I'm interested in the man who's going to marry my daughter. I'd ask the same of Maddie if they were still involved."

     "Well, mumsie, look at it this way." Gillian smiles; it's a default reaction. When in doubt or trying not to argue, smile. At the very least, it will unnerve your opponents. "Mads is only just seventeen, and she not only got accepted to the equivalent of Juilliard, she's also been selected - and performed to great acclaim - at the local equivalent of the Superbowl. She's famous here already, even if it's under a stage name."
     To the topic of the wedding, she swallows hard and answers. Fortunately, she's had time to think about it a bit. "Outside in the gardens, yes, I was thinking on the steps. You'll need to correspond with Balthazar's grandmother and grandfather, they're the permanent residents of the castle, although they might have people to handle the public side of things, I don't know. I was thinking we'd probably have the best luck aiming for the end of June, and if it does get rained out, just ask to have the castle's chapel available as a back-up plan. It's gorgeous there. As for a dress, I've given it some thought, and I've decided I don't want any dress which could make a nearsighted guest mistake me for the cake. I don't like anything Vera Wang's come out with for the last thirty years, but Melissa Sweet has some nice stuff. Priscilla of Boston also has some nice stuff - very tasteful, clean lines and refined. I don't mind ruffles below the hips, but there shouldn't be any ruffles or pleats or ridiculousness above the waist."
     She exhales and picks up her tea; the cup is empty. No escape there. "He was a musician, mumsie, but he's a prince here, in the crown line," Gillian explains. "With the coronation games going on right now, he's fighting against everybody else entered for the honor of being champion of the kingdom. He's a general in the military here. Tell you what, why don't we go see him fight tomorrow? We can see if Maddie can get the day off from her classes and see the city and have lunch." It's always best to give in gracefully to the inevitable, and to make it look like your idea. "He still is a musician in one sense; he plays, he sings, he composes. It's just now not for a public focus."

     "Vera Wang was always overrated in my opinion," your mother coolly agrees. "Well, I will get some of the latest design books on Melissa Sweet and Priscilla of Boston and we'll narrow down the choices. Are you thinking a train at all or one of those convertible dresses that could be any number of things after the wedding day? Personally, although practical, I never saw the value of those. No one is going to really want to wear their wedding gown to a cocktail party..."
     Zillah glances around for Mahasti, who is now not to be seen. But she can be heard in the office, moving from place to place. "Shall I ring for your attendant?" she wonders as you look into your cup. "And I think lunch tomorrow and attending the contest would be a marvelous idea," your mother suddenly beams. "Famous?" she says, lowering her own now empty cup to the table. "Well, when you put it like that I see what you mean. Not many seventeen year olds are accepted to Juilliard. Ah," she says with a sighing smile, "...my children. I am so proud. Really and truly. So... we will make it a date. Tomorrow, I shall meet you here. Will you be calling your sister?"

     "I think it might be best if we ask Lady Arundel what would be appropriate," Gillian suggests cautiously. "After all, she knows the castle better than either of us, and she's also Balthazar's grandmother, and is a member of the British aristocracy and related somehow or other to the Queen, so she'll know better than we do about the best choices for that kind of wedding. I'd say personally a removable train, since if it's in the garden we won't want one but if it's in the chapel we probably will."
     She blushes a bit. "She's not my attendant, mumsie. It's fine, I've had enough tea. I'll get in touch with Maddie and see if she can get the afternoon off from school, and we'll go to the royal box."

     "Perfect. Well," your mother rises. "I should be going. You have a lot of work to do and I do as well. And I need to check on your father and grandfather. They were meeting with your general and prince. I probably should have stayed to give him one ally in the room. But, your father wouldn't hear of it."
     She crosses over to you and leans in to kiss your cheek. "I really am happy for you, Gillian. We are having dinner with the King tonight so you will have us all out of your hair tonight," she teases lightly.

     "Yes, mumsie," Gillian answers obediently. She rises to accept the kiss more easily. "Oh, the King is a lovely man. So's his husband. And his wife. It's a little confusing around here, but everyone is very nice. I'll see you tomorrow, then."

     "Yes, well, nice is what counts," she says. "Have a lovely night dear." And with that your mother sashays out of your lovely suite and into the grand hallway to be someone else's problem.
     "Your mother tries very hard," Mahasti says in her deep and steady tone. It is perhaps the most diplomatic thing that has ever been said about your mother.
     Mahasti looks to you with plum-brown eyes, refilling your cup. "You handled her very gracefully. I am impressed."

     She closes the door behind her mother and leans against it with a silent sigh, counting to ten and then opening it suddenly. Just in case. She closes it again and sighs less silently, giving Mahasti a weak smile. "She's my mother," Gillian answers, a bit helplessly. "I want her to be happy. I just ... I don't want it to be at anybody else's expense."

     "Understandable. If it helps, I believe she is the way she is because she wants the best for her children. It comes from a pure place, however it manifests."
     Mahasti pours a cup of tea for herself and settles upon the sofa, sitting in lotus position. "You are a good daughter. And she should be proud of you. If you wish to talk of it, Lady Gillian, I am a willing set of ears..."

     "I don't know what to say, really. Please, just call me Gillian. I don't feel - well, I don't feel very lady-like at the moment." She laughs a little, rubbing her face with both hands. "I don't know. I've wanted her approval for a long time, and now... it's horrible, but it feels sort of as if I've lusted after a shiny trinket in the window for so long, only to find out it isn't Tiffany's after all. It's just horrible glass glued on and tacky."

     Mahasti gestures for you to return to the seating area. "Here, join me in tea and we will talk." She sits back with her cup. "Gillian... it is not unusual to have a let down after a prayer is answered. Sometimes, it is difficult to understand why one wanted a thing in the first place. But perhaps it is that you are now so strong within yourself, you have mothered yourself, I think, for years. And now you have perhaps realized that you are a better mother than your mother.:

     She doesn't look very convinced of that. "I guess. I don't know. I mean - I guess some people just aren't cut out for motherhood." Gillian sighs, going to sit back down. "I just hope I'm not one of them. It's hard to tell, from this side of things. I just ... well, I guess if I'm praying for anything, it's to get through this week without my family developing any new cracks."

     Mahasti sips her tea and focuses on you. "That is very true. Not everyone is. But do not judge yourself on her actions. Your abilities as a mother are not pre-determined by her inabilities or failures. There is not such thing as a perfect parent. You hope to be a loving parent, a supportive mother, someone who will nourish your child's dreams and goals. That is the point. Not to gain one's own satisfaction or fulfillment. One does not live through one's children; one teaches one's children how to live as fully as possible."
     She looks to you with compassion and understanding. "I certainly hope so as well. Know, however, that you cannot control the situation, only your reactions. I am much impressed by you and your brother. I have not met your younger sister. I look forward to that..."

     "I'll try not to," Gillian answers with a small sigh, pushing her hair - again - out of her eyes. She blushes at the praise. "Well, thanks, though I haven't really done anything stellar so far. I have high hopes, though. You've met my brother?" She looks up curiously at that.

     "I have. He has been here for a while now and in the company of my dear nephew. I have attended her highness, Crown Princess Maria, in joint meetings where he has been involved. And have you not?" Mahasti teases serenely. "You have only been accepted to the most prestigious university in the United Kingdoms. Quite an accomplishment for someone who hasn't been here even two weeks. And there is more to come. I have faith in your abilities. You are a very smart girl, very talented. You have all of the raw elements of being a resplendent queen."

     She blushes again. "Well... thank you," Gillian repeats. She sighs, turning to stare balefully at the stack of books. "We'll see if I can actually pull it off. I'm not worried about the competition. The only trick to this is if I can keep all the balls up in the air long enough. So I need to not let myself get distracted."
     She stands, going over to the stack and taking the top book off. "Which means that all those gallant young men waiting to try and distract me on other people's behalf had better stay out of my way."

     Mahasti smiles and refastens her veil. "It will give me something to do," she says. "Now... to your work and studies. I am sure that the Prince will want your company again today. If you have need of anything, please call me. I will be in your office going through the many requests for your time. Would you care for anything before I go?"

     "No, thank you, I think I'm good," Gillian answers. She even manages a small grin. "It's just as well you're handling that. I think in the mood I'm currently in, I'd have trouble not handling them a bit roughly. I know I'm not very big or strong or powerful, but I do tend to use my brain a bit savagely at times."
     She draws out her chair and plops onto it. "I'll need to see Maddie before I see Balthazar again. I need to warn her about mumsie..."

Posted by rowan at March 02, 2010 11:46 PM