Private message to Lana Sandoval

[alt_rodolphus]

I have heard that congratulations are in good order, Miss Sandoval.

I hope that we can meet for tea at Le'Strange soon, and that you can tell me of your plans.

Comments

[alt_lana]

I'd rather you not congratulate me.

But, oh, I'd so like to see you. Please. Could it be this afternoon or tonight? I work late tomorrow.

To be honest, I'm a bit of a mess over this. I'm not sure I've any choice in the matter, and I-

[alt_rodolphus]

I'm available today. For you, at least.

Yes. The news was something of a surprise even to myself, given that when we last spoke, you were wondering if things between you and Mr Pennifold were at an end. I can only imagine, then, how disorienting this change of course must be for you.

[alt_lana]

I suppose I should want it, but I don't. Or not for the reasons I'd want to want to be married.

You're right: I really thought Ned was going to drop me, and anyway, I had more than half a mind to drop him when the holiday engagements were done with.

I keep thinking that this might not have happened if Orion and I hadn't shifted out to the carriage house. I thought that was the perfect way to escape from all their worrying and watching, but now I think Papa's been worried I'll ruin myself. As if that were a danger with Ned!

And I'm furious he went and made a bargain with Papa without even asking if I'd be willing. Because, of course, Papa thought nothing of it, he's so traditional. But Ned. I want to hex him. Only I can't, can I? Because I don't know what he suspects-

[alt_rodolphus]

Do you think he saw to it that you were purposefully excluded from the process?

Putting tradition and even...marital outcome aside, I would not wish for you to be yoked to someone who refuses to see or hear you.

Yet hexing is perhaps too direct at this juncture. Yes.

On one hand, I laugh at the old-fashioned notion of young women as potions on a shelf, just waiting to 'expire' or 'be ruined.' But then again I'm a father myself, and sympathise with at least the general notion of concern that your father has for you.

At any rate, perhaps I can offer some balance of perspective. Among other things.

[alt_lana]

Well, I think he may have wanted to tell me before Papa announced it. But he didn't try very hard, did he? Just sulked about our not ever really being alone, but didn't say why it was so important just now.

Oh, Ned is just Ned. He's nice enough. You know, a year ago I was over the moon that he wanted to be with me. Only, I don't know.

It's a perfectly good match. And really it makes sense in so many ways. Only, I thought-

I don't know.

I thought I'd be in love, I guess.

I really want to see you, Rod. For balance and perspective. And other things. Maybe we could start with those?