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by miyumi on Fri Jun 29, 2007 8:10 pm
She was terrified. Obviously, she had given something away, and she needed to think fast. How do I get out of this one? Why did I keep coming to see him? Something flashed across her mind.
Not by teachers, no.
Most don't even here, Jo is rather special, but it's not just teachers is it.
She glanced down at her watch, completely on edge now. What did I give away? How... Lunchtime! It was all she could do not to breathe out in relief. She was saved!
It's time for lunch, I'd better go.
Before you hurry off, just bear in mind that nobody here is entirely what they seem to be. Perhaps we can share our secrets, then we will know we are both safe as both of us will know something about the other.
She considered. She did want to eat lunch, but... she really wanted to know more. The idea of sharing secrets was tempting. But she was sure that her sponsor would be mad at her if she found out. Then again, Jack would defend me to her, to his death if need be. And it's not like I haven't missed lunch before. She took a deep breath.
I suppose I'm not all that hungry.
He seemed a little relieved, and visibly relaxed. He hadn't wanted her to go as much as she hadn't wanted to. How did I know that?
I suppose I had better start, I have always gone by my given name of Joseph Stewart, but that is only part of it, there are a collection of other names too but that is not the important bit. The bit that I like to keep quite is the other name the family carries or some of us. My father is the Duke of Rothsay, I am only the third son hence the soldier or clergyman options, I fancied neither, and feel I can't live up to being Lord Ashburton either. That's my own title and lordship.
Her mind spun. I've dared to talk to a lord! But.. but.. no, he doesn't feel like one. She nodded slowly. You don't like all the formalities, do you..
Oh god no anything but that, it's bad enough when I go home and have to put up with it from the estate workers. I couldn't cope with it if people started behaving as if I were something special here too.
The strength of his disgust for that surprised her. Much as Ms. Curzon doesn't like it, she doesn't show any repulsion to it. Her son though... makes me wonder if that's something about what Ms. Curzon calls "the new generation" Despite her surprise, she relaxed a little. Well, I won't.
What could be worse than being a pointless aristocrat, everything that I have made with of my life, has come as a result of hard work, well quite hard work anyway, certainly not as a result of who my parents are.
But don't you want the recognition of your hard work at least?
I have that, I have a degree and a job, I have a small allowance from my father and it would be enough to live on but I don't spend that I try to live off what I earn working here. I have recognition of what I can do amongst my fellows, that is what counts.
I guess he's right about that. It would drive me nutty though, the way the profs treat the techies... Her mind drifted, until he moved, pushing a button. He explained that he would be calling for lunch to be brought. Just as she agreed to it, another person stuck his head in the door and asked what he needed. Mr. Stewart turned down the offer of it being fetched in half an hour, Then he turned back to her and asked her what she was going to say. Oh, I guess it's my turn...
I uh... fair's fair. Well, you told me your secret... my mother is a servant for the Curzon family. They sponsored me to come here.
This must all seem more than a little strange then, I don't know the Curzons, but what I have heard has always upset my father so I have always assumed that they are good people, it looks I was right. He paused for a moment, and smiled. She liked his smile. Well Jessica, I am glad they have supported you getting here. If there is any way that I may help you you have only to ask, anything except help with the maths. Ask Jo how much hair she lost trying to teach me some time.
Jessica grinned at that, and was answered by a smile from joseph. Oh! My real name is Emily.
My real name is Joseph the rest is just, well frippery. A frown crossed his face for just an instant. She could see him trying to figure out how to keep her around for a little longer. Perhaps you would accompany me to the department canteen, we can get something to eat?
She really wanted to, but she was also painfully aware that if she spent much more time in his company, they might be tempted to do some... unsanctioned things. She shook her head regretfully. I'd better not. I might lose track of time, and I do have another class right after lunch.
Well that's a good reason not to get too distracted, perhaps we can save lunch for another day.
He stood. She stood as well, holding out her hand. He shook it as they said their parting words. She slipped out of his office, and looked at her watch. With how long it would take to get to the cafeteria, and then to the class, she had just twenty minutes to eat lunch. She picked up her steps, wanting a little more time than that.
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