Checking the Goods (Jamison/Meggera)

[shava444]

It was a Saturday and Jamison had just returned to his room to open his mail. he never opened mail he didn't recognize or wasn't sure about in front of others, but back at his desk. Arriving, he opened up his trunk and folded down the desk top, putting the two letters on it's surface and reaching for his letter opener. Slitting both open, he set the one he had a suspicion was from a well wisher aside first and looked in the other. It contained an odd note from his lawyer but not on official stationary. Considering that strange, he read about the "unofficial warning" the man was passing on about someone checking out his background and references.

Puzzling over the name which he did not know, he resolved to check for the name in the Library this afternoon to see what information he could find. Turning to the second letter he checked the address a third time, still not recognizing it and open the rather old parchment with meticulous handwriting. It crackled satisfactorily as he opened it, a rather good sign to his social mind. He read it carefully:

Mr Jamison Smith,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am Vladimir Tepes, the head of the Romanian Tepes clan. You may have heard of us with our various dealing in politics and prominent charity functions every year. If not then I'm sure you'll do your own research after receiving this. You were brought to my attention some time ago from an old friend of mine, who greatly admired your determination and ambition. I've been following your progress and must agree with him.

So here I will make you an offer to consider. You, of course, don't have to accept, but keep in mind our families wealth and social standing which you will be privy to should you accept. I offer you a chance to be linked with our family through marriage to my granddaughter. She is currently attending Hogwarts as well and with her beauty and many artistic talents would make a fine wife for any man. I've included a picture of her for you to consider.

I shall expect a response within the next month. If I receive none I shall assume you have refused my generous offer and will bother you no further.

Vladimir Tepes

He put the letter down with a frown, wondering what this was all about. Picking up the picture and studied the face, finding he did somewhat recognize her from somewhere. Curious. Deciding this could not be done with a simple reading, he carefully refolded the letter and put it away locking it safely in a spot and then closed up the desk. There was nothing odd about purebloods offering contracts, but he had received only a few of those so far and none that had spoken about "great wealth."

Leaving the dorm he began to walk the halls (picture in his pocket) and asked people in a couple of different house colors till he found out she was a Ravenclaw. It didn't take long till someone mentioned her having been outside in the courtyard a minute earlier and he turned his steps that way. Checking the picture before he stepped outside, it was easy enough to spot her with some book or so. He walked over to her and said "Excuse me. Ms Tepes?" When she acknowledged that was who she was he continued.

"My name is Jamison Smith, owner of the store known as Twilfit & Tatting, which you may have heard of." he watched her eyes for recognition as it was the Pureblood store of choice for clothing. "Forgive my being crass, but I was just informed that your family is rather wealthy and I wondered if you could confirm that for me? If so, I have some information I think you might want to know about..."

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[Meggera Tepes]

Meggera was in her usual spot in the courtyard this saturday morning. The small covered bench in the corner of the courtyard, in her usual position. Her legs were crossed, laying across the bench, with her back against the wall. Her sketchbook was open in her lap and her coat was draped lightly across her shoulders so her arms would be free to move without hinderance. Her bag lay on the floor next to the bench with one of her reading books, drawing pencils, reading glasses, and two letters she had received from her brothers at breakfast.

Instead of drawing as she usually did, she was instead flipping through her more recent works. She couldn't decide if she wanted to go back and fix small details or just leave them as proof of her progress. She let out a small sigh as she turned the page, revealing the drawing of the archway into the school from the courtyard. She certainly had improved in drawing scenery and brickwork, as seen if this drawing. She smiled slightly at the picture, uncommonly pleased with her own work when she was drawn out of her musings by someone saying her name. She almost expected it to be a professor since no one she knew addressed her in such a way but was surprised to see one of the Slytherin Quidditch players standing there.

She raised an eyebrow at him, unsure of why he would be talking to her in the first place. Unless he was one of the few who had noticed her drawing the players in the pitch. “Yes?” she said to confirm, listening as he went on to introduce himself as the owner of Twilfit & Tatting. She had certainly heard of the store, even shopped there a few times over the summer, but she somehow found it hard to believe that a student was the owner of such a store. His next words came as a bit of a shock to her. Why on earth would he need her to confirm whether or not her family was wealthy?

Curious about this information he said he had she indulged his question with a nod, “Yes, we are. May I ask why you need to confirm this?” she asked. She hoped this wasn't some sort of new weird sales pitch from the shop or a prank, but she couldn't help her curiosity about this. It wasn't every day people came up and asked her about her families wealth after all.


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Outfit:
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Tag: Jamison

[shava444]

As he had approached her, Jamison had (due to his background and interests) automatically summed up her outfit, noting it was not a normal casual attire for a student and appreciating that. he liked that part so the photo did have some truth to it and her skin was a smooth pale that was also eye catching. As eye candy on an arm, he had to agree with the letter's writer that she would be an attractive wife to show off which was all that Jamison believed women were really for in a way. He hadn't found any that captured his attention more then that so far at least.

As she confirmed that they were, he nodded his thanks. "I received information recently that claimed that and not knowing your family I thought I would ask you directly, go to the source as it were. Thank you very much for the confirmation. That is a rather nice outfit you have on right now, actually, good selection." He held out a hand to her as if to politely assist her to stand. "Might I see you standing in it please? I bet that shirt will fall a different way in that case and it's a shame not to display it to someone with the skills and reason to appreciate it."

Odd, he knew, to say it, but he wasn't looking at her like a crazed teenager on hormones either. Seeing how the outfit fell on her would tell him quite a bit about what kind of outfits she would fit well and he suspected she might have a models form to some degree. And once he had a better angle, he motioned for her to turn, letting his eyes glance over her and touching the fabric at her sleeve. Under his breath he named the designer actually (just loud enough she could hear); he recognized the style now and she always used these kind of fabrics; he didn't need a tag to know this as much as he saw of them. "Thank you very much, I knew it would make a difference."

His eyes came up to hers and he smiled politely. "I'm sorry, I know this must seem rather quaint meeting, sort of quirky." Surely in her position she was prepared to be contracted off at a moment's notice; it came along with pureblood advantages of course. Meeting her eyes as he still held her hand, feeling it's softness he answered her earlier question and the one in her eyes. "Your grandfather offered me your contract and I wanted to meet you first, see what you were like up close." Watching her reaction he nodded, seeing she understood rather fast.

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[Meggera Tepes]

As he complimented her outfit she smiled slightly. After all, most woman liked being complimented on their choices, especially when they went to so much trouble to find the right combination after hours of searching the shops. Which is what she had done over the summer with this particular outfit. It took her forever to find the shirt in the size and color she wanted, so it was nice for a little confirmation from outside her family. She didn't see any harm in standing to show it off a little, so she closed her sketchbook and set it to the side before taking his hand and standing.

She wasn't entirely sure about the turning around bit though. True there weren't many people around to see and he didn't seem like a creeper, but she was fairly certain she would feel ridiculous doing so. It reminded her a bit to much of those photographers and designers her grandfather introduced her to over the summer at their usual charity ball. He was always doing things like that and she couldn't help but wonder if he was getting a percentage of the profit for trying to use her as a walking billboard for them. Her eyes quickly glanced around the courtyard, making sure there was no one staring at them before very quickly turning. She was rather impressed that he could tell the designer of her shirt without a tag, maybe he really was the owner of Twilfit & Tatting?

She was about to sit down again, but he still had her hand in his. “Yes, just a tad.” she said when he apologized for the oddness of this encounter. Though quirky and quaint wouldn't be how she would typically describe it. More like confusing and weird. Though at this point she really was expecting some sort of sales pitch for the store, so his next words sincerely shocked her. Her contract? Oh...god.

She couldn't remember a time where her mind went completely blank, but clearly she couldn't say that anymore, because her's did. Either out of shock or complete horror, she didn't know. She had never expected her grandfather to contact anyone at school, or even listen to her when she complained that everyone he pushed at her were at least 10 years her senior. “He...sent you my contract.” she muttered, shock clearly showing in her eyes. She honestly didn't know how to react to this. Perhaps she should be angry but she couldn't muster it over the sheer amount of embarrassment she was being flooded with and the desire to flee as quickly as humanly possible.

She slipped her hand out of his and backed up a few steps, looking anywhere but at him, trying so hard to combat the blush that was creeping into her cheeks. She was at a loss for words. Should she apologize? Ask him not to tell anyone? Or just grab her things and hide in her dorm for the rest of the year? “I...um..I don't suppose you've told anyone about this?” she asked very quietly. She hoped to whatever god there was that he hadn't. She didn't think she could handle anyone else knowing her grandfather was trying to marry her off. Her friends were one thing...she trusted them...but someone she had never met?


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Tag: Jamison

[shava444]

She was complacent, agreeably so, as she put her things aside to stand for him, allowing him to look over the shirt more. She hesitated at the request for a turn around, which he couldn't entirely blame her for, but the outfit was nicely tailored to her slim form. He was fairly confident he could keep her provided with outfits from the store and they would look good on her body type. "Excellent. Yes, she does nice work. Those are hard to keep in store, shame she won't work with anything yellow, but that's an artist for you." If she had sharp eyes she might have noticed his own outfit was of nothing but designer work.

However at his next words she seemed to lose control of her voice.

So, she knew she had a contract probably but had not expected anyone to approach her about it? Quite possible. In fact, highly logical her grandfather would not bother to keep her informed about his plans for her. "Technically no I guess. He has sent me a letter and a picture of you to open negotiations. Since I will be very high profile when I graduate, having a wife to showcase is fairly important to me for image alone. Someone must have spoken to him about me." She was more then surprised, she seemed shocked, but not being aggressive about it he noticed.

That was actually more exciting. Had she been thoroughly domesticated already? That would be a big plus on any contract indeed! "Not at this moment, no, but that depends on you now, doesn't it?" Not normally a cruel boy, he saw the panic and slightly reveled in it. Let her know his silence depended on her behavior, yes, that could be good to see. "As long as I get the answers I am interested in then of course I do not want anyone to know. Right now I am trying to see if you would be a good young lady to have so I am seeking information from those who can tell me. That at the moment is only you."

Seeing her hesitation, he motioned back at the bench and recaptured her hand slightly, not clamping down, but with manners. "Please, sit." He sat beside her, holding said same hand as he looked down at it before returning his eyes to her face. "You're a bit pale. Condition? Or do you get sick easily?" She was a Ravenclaw so she was smart enough to adjust to this conversation, but shock was messing with her ability to think fast. All the better to strike now for personal information.

"Now, why don't you explain to me why you would accede to this? Family honor? Money? Social position?" He put his hand holding hers on his knee as he crossed his legs, looking from a distance as if he was merely comforting her about something, like close friends. Image, it was always about image. "Any siblings? Younger or older? And their health?" Yes, yes she could be a good one if he chose. She recognized his power and was trying to think ahead, to negotiate with him now to get some control back he could tell. In a minute she would try for more then his silence he was sure.

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[Meggera Tepes]

This wasn't real. It couldn't be. It certainly didn't feel real to Meggera. Her head felt like it was spinning from the shock and her brain was having trouble keeping up with the conversation. It seemed to think she'd be waking up any moment now and all this was just some odd dream induced by her grandfathers last letter. Yes, that had to be it... She was sorely disappointed though when she realized she wouldn't be waking up when he said his silence on the matter depended on her and the information he could get. It made sense really, that he would want to find out as much as possible before letting anyone know. After all, he might decide against it. So she merely nodded, trying to shake herself from her horrified and shocked state. This wasn't the end of the line after and she needed to be alert.

She was fairly glad when he said they should sit. It helped her spinning head a bit to be seated, perhaps it would clear a bit faster from the shock. When he asked about her health she shook her head. “No, I've never been sick a day in my life. My mother was fairly pale.” she said, though she wasn't sure if she should throw in the small portion of vampire heritage that contributed to it. Granted it might scare him away but it wasn't information she offered up freely to anyone. Then again it would be painfully obvious if he looked up her grandfather so she didn't really need to tell him.

Why would she accede to this? That was a question she had asked herself many times. Why was she letting her grandfather do this to her. Frankly because the man was terrifying when he wanted to be. She wasn't so sure she wanted to be on the receiving end of his anger. “It's expected of me as the only granddaughter of the family. And you don't go against the head of the family where I come from...” Granted that didn't mean she didn't try, but it really was a terrifying thought, going against the 'proper order of things' as her grandfather always put it.

Now he was asking if she had any siblings. Thinking about them helped her focus a bit more. “I have two brothers. Alexander is older, he's trying to play Quidditch professionally. James is only 10, he's an equestrian. They're both as healthy as I am.” she said, her eyes moving to the hand he had captured then back to him. He was making them seem rather chummy to anyone who passed by, which was clever. No one would approach them like this, which really gave her no escape without seeming exceedingly rude. “Tell me...why would the future owner of a clothing store want to align himself with such harsh politicians?” she asked, her eyes fixing on him. Not to mention a line of vampires, but she wouldn't bring that up yet, though it could be rather effective.


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Tag: Jamison

[shava444]

He was pleased to note she was easily obedient, answering his questions so straight forward he was sure of the truth of the answers indeed. Even in shock she was to the point and did not resist him which boded well for her being a trophy wife. So her mother's side was pale skinned, good enough. And the entire family sounded healthy, a good sign for future children plus her always being available for parties and invitations. He didn't want someone who could use sickness like a crutch to get out of proper behavior. Sounded like her family was tough on family obedience and loyalty; another good sign. "Quidditch? Is he any good? Who and where does he play?" And with her brothers involved with sports he was willing to bet he would have plenty of time to get her into the shape he wanted, obedience wise.

"That's good. Families are all we have so it is important to be part of something bigger then just yourself. So, you are expected to marry to increase the family ties and survival. Respectable reasons." He eyed her, sensing she was beginning to recover, would start throwing whatever things she could imagine might scare him off. "I also am the head of my family, the only heir. I have responsibilities best started early. Hence I am already the owner, I just do not have full control over it yet. It's run daily in my name and they report to my lawyer." There, take that. he had power and money it sounded like and soon it would increase.

The first negative was reveled.

"Ah, so your family is into politics. Where, Romania? Or here? Do you have to return to Romania every break?" he ingored the question a moment thinking it over before he answered her query. "You're looking on the wrong level of involvement, Ms Tepes. In the world of high fashion and social order, politicians aren't that high an order and one can be related to them by marriage and not effected by their politics at all." Besides, he thought softly for a moment, your children won't be touched by any negatives either.

"The real question you should answer for both of us is why he wants to have a connection with the most powerful trading house of fashion in the wizarding world. Unless he is seeking expansion of his power base..." Jamison watched her face carefully, seeking answers from her body language as much as anything else. "So far, Ms Tepes, I find myself becoming more interested in negotiating for your contract then less so. If you think to have any influence over my decision I suggest you try now."

There, gauntlet thrown down.

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[Meggera Tepes]

“He's trying to audition for the Chudley Canons next I believe. Right now he playing for a few minor teams in London. He's rather good, but he's my brother so I tend to be biased.” she said. Perhaps she should have lied about her health? No, it wouldn't have worked because he could have asked anyone who knew her about it and they would've revealed the truth.

She mentally smirked at her 'respectable reasons' as he called them. She supposed they were. But he was the head of his family as well? Shouldn't that be his father? But it explained how he was the owner at least, so it wasn't suspicious anymore. Though she still couldn't imagine why he would want to join her family if he already had money and a high position in society. “Both actually. My father is an ambassador from the Romanian Ministry and grandfather tends to be..sort of an advisor in Romania on the side. I only have to return to Romania for a few weeks over the summer usually.” she said, trying to think of more things to dissuade him since he didn't seem to be shaken by the politics.

“You see, I'm not to sure. He's never been to terribly interested in the fashion industry before this past year. I can only assume he wishes to have as many bases covered as possible to assert his influence.” she said with a small shrug. She was about to be a little reckless, but it might prove to be the thing that does the trick. “You can negotiate if you like, though you do so at your own risk. Not many people like negotiating with one of the most shrewd vampires known to current history. He didn't earn the nickname 'The Impaler' for nothing.” she added, her eyes fixating on him once again to judge his reaction. It wasn't exactly a lie, her grandfather was very shrewd when it came to negotiations, and absolutely vicious if your crossed him, though she wasn't entire sure how he would be with tis sort of contract.... If that didn't work she had a few other things to throw at him, but none were nearly as big or influential as that one.

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Tag: Jamison

[shava444]

Ah so her brother would be easy to track and keep an eye on, that was good. He had a slight impression of some independence in her peeking through which he had no problem with if she obeyed in the main, but it made him cautiously alert to other signs she might show. "I see. High level politics. Unfortunately something we have lots of in our world." She hadn't noticed his mention of early responsibilities and what that would mean for her if she was chosen. Definitely more innocent then she first seemed. His eyes fell to her pad as she spoke and he noted her lines.

"Would he be interested in hopes of having the access for the ambassador to another group of influential people? Fashion and social high climbers rarely include foreign dignitaries, but have a lot of influence on the world of commerce..." And then at his offer of challenge, she tried to bring out the big guns and to some degree succeeded. His eyebrows went up at the word vampire. When she finished, he looked at her a moment, then glanced down at her skin as if suddenly making the connection. "You'll have to forgive my ignorance, I have never met one descended from that group before."

"I assume that explains the health you have? And the skin? I know vampires are only semi-granted status in the magical community so logically you have to be more wizard, or in your case witch, then vampire I assume to be here? Or is that wrong?" Advantages, where were the advantages? And what about the mishaps? Was every person intermarrying required to be turned? "Do you have percentages like Veelas do of how much one way or the other you are?"

Impaler. That was not a fun sounding word. But one didn't move into society with a title like that either. If her father was a half vampire... Interesting thinking. Up till now he had not thought about vampire half breeds. "Very interesting! It appears I will need to go and do some studying before I make up my mind. Do you have any questions for me while we're here?" A glance back at her papers before he glanced back at her, still holding her hand lightly in his.

"Do you consider yourself an artist? Tell me, Ms-- Excuse me, is there another name you like to be called?"

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[Meggera Tepes]

Commerce, that made sense. Perhaps he was trying to bring more of it to Romania? Surely there were easier ways then this though...Though she was rather pleased at his initial reaction about the vampirism. His eyebrows shot up, surely that was a good thing? But when he followed it with questions she wondered if it had backfired slightly.... “Yes, it explains my health, though my little brother is somewhat tanned and so is my father.” she said, carefully hiding her disappointment that he wasn't more taken aback. “And most half-bloods can attend school, its usually the full-bloods that aren't allowed because they could be a danger to the other students. I happen to be 1/4th vampire, as are my brothers. My father is half though.” she said, answer both his questions in one fell swoop as it were.

She was confused and rather put out that he didn't seem dissuaded in the least. He was going to do some research... As for questions, well...she could think of a few that might make him think twice. After all they had certainly worked on the others her grandfather had sent her way. “Yes actually. I would like to know you views on women working, because I fully intend to study at St. Mungo's after I graduate here.” she said. Take that. If he was like the others he wouldn't be a fan of his future wife working at a hospital, possibly not even studying healing.

She was a little surprised at the last question. It took a drastic turn form his previous ones, but at least it wasn't more about her family. “Yes, I do consider myself an artist. I draw, sing, and play violin. I even intend to take up guitar over the summer.” she said. She was rather proud of her artistic accomplishment, and it showed in the way she talked about them to most people with the way she smiled without even realizing it. “I prefer to be called Meggera... only professors call me by my last name.” she added. Not to mention it made her uncomfortable to be called by her last name by someone her age...

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Tag: Jamison

[shava444]

His grandfather had always been a hard man, determined on what he knew and wanted. He had drilled Jamison his entire life on fashion, running a company, and maintaining the high point of society. Books and discussions and lectures at home from the time he was very small on up. Even after his grandfather was gone his echo was in the work he had left behind, the requirements he placed on his grandson to get certain things done before he would be fully accepted as the owner of the company and the head of the family for sure. The work had required much sacrifice and effort, much time spent at hard toil and study.

But he had done it.

He had fourteen contracts on his wall at home attached to a nail. Each had different advantages and quirks, each had underlined clauses which had been used by many in the past and he had memorized them all, made himself cheat sheets along the way. While his grandfather had been a sharp negotiator, he knew what he needed and what he wanted if he should ever have the chance to negotiate. Understanding his opponent's wishes and desires allowed him to know what to aim for to give while getting and for his family future he had to be sure to come out ahead. Opportunity was not a lengthy visitor and one had to be ready to jump at a chance.

Whether it was a trick or not, this girl represented opportunity.not to be missed if he could find the right angles, the right advantages to make it work. If he could not find the right path through this, then he did not deserve her advantages to begin with. With that in his mind, it wasn't hard to see the needs here and the pitfalls. Plus, she was to some degree different from the rest of the pures here, new genes from a different gene pool and less automatic connections to the local crowd. She would be a handy weapon on his arm to introduce at the yearly required functions and parties. And being an ambassador's daughter she had probably picked up more then some about observation. If he could get that on his side...

Time to mention the carrot and the stick.

Hearing the skin was hers and not a family thing was fine enough, it added a certain something to white clothes she might wear. So she was a fourth and that mean to his mind she was only full of advantages physically for children, very satisfactory. "Fascinating. I never heard this before. You have been very informative!" Her first question made him think of the carrot and he smiled. "Why would I object to my wife working? Do you have a healing talent? Excellent! Then it should receive training, though later I might ask you to work somewhere smaller, such as an orphanage or a children's home then a full hospital." Any children under her care would be in excellent hands indeed, could she not see the advantages to him in this?

Her answer to his other question was excellent as well. Those were all skills a proper housewife and raiser of children should have. "Now see, this is why you should be happy about my interests." He smiled and lifted her hand to his lips, giving the back of it a soft kiss. "I'm sure other people your grandfather could send you to would lock you away somewhere, but I am quite the opposite. I want you seen, visible, even skilled at your own talents. As a socialite every talent you display is another star in your crown. With me you would have the life you want within reason, long as you give me what I need in return."

Children and obedience, not a difficult price to pay considering the other restrictions she could be under. "Then Meggara, I think you have me convinced. You would be an extremely valuable woman to have at my side. What would it take to convince you you want this contract with me instead of another?" By being reasonable sounding he also threw off her game, her defenses, and maybe, just maybe, would sucker her into trying to convince her grandfather he was the one for her as well. That would make this far more satisfying as well.

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[Meggera Tepes]

She was flabbergasted, for lack of a better word. Everything she had said had the opposite effect then what she had intended so far. Even wanting to work and study to be a healer. Everyone else had been against it and wanted her to be a housewife like so many other socialite women. Then again most of her former prospects had been much older... She was shocked in a new way, he certainly was nothing like her previous prospects in those aspects. “Not really a talent...more like an interest...” she said, she hadn't had the opportunity to do anything except read about healing. She couldn't study under the school nurse until next year so she had mainly been focusing on trying to get her Charms, Potions, and Herbology skills up to par for such a course of study. That plus a lot of reading medical books of course.

She wouldn't allow herself to think his requests were reasonable...she couldn't. That would mean that her grandfather had actually picked someone she could stand, and it was far to soon to think that. She had only just met him after all. Though what he said next definitely rang true. No one else had offered her much freedom at all. She had nothing to look forward to except a cold manor and husband she couldn't stand, with her art as her only solice. If she was honest with herself his offer seemed like the best thing she'd gotten thus far and her logic would tell her not to let it expire because of her past luck with offers.

She couldn't help but feel somewhat numb right now. She was at a loss over what to do. “What would that be? What you need in return that is.” she asked. She felt the need to ask, it was the only thing she could think of in her state amid her failed attempts to scare him away. Perhaps he would consider it a silly question or an obvious one, but it was always good to be sure of such things. After all, her last prospect had said one of his conditions was her playing violin for every party he held and learning to cook. What did he have to do to get her to accept? She was to busy stumbling over her own thoughts to know. She wasn't used to not being able to think clearly..or being thrown off like this. “I...I suppose I'd want it written down..everything you've said about being able to study and work etc... For good measure.” she said.

She wasn't trying to insinuate he was a liar, but she didn't know him, and many people went back on their word later. Words were pretty, but they weren't binding unless written down and kept. She supposed things could still go awry. Perhaps her grandfather would frighten him away after all..or maybe they wouldn't come to an agreement. Or maybe he would just change his mind, there were plenty of pretty girls at Hogwarts after all. But then again...what if the next one was back to the norm? To old and wanting to lock her away like some fairy tale princess. At least Jamison was her age.

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Tag: Jamison

[shava444]

She was off balance which was good, thrown by what she had assumed would be blocks to her being acceptable actually being more acceptable then she had known. But then again, it was clear her grandfather had not sent a young socialite an offer before. The world in which Jamison moved was very different from most. The fashion industry itself was bizarre to most outsiders, unpalatable and filled with eclectic people of all kinds, many unacceptable to other parts of society. She stammered about the healing, but he had already visions of the good charm she would add by working with taking care of sick children, the charity work like gold in the press of his world.

That kind of thing made careers and caused the mighty to soar even higher, added moralistic capital to their reputations. Oh yes, gold indeed. He was not stupid old timer who moved with old ways, he had to strike out whole new territories and forge new trails to hold his place, not just to advance. Capital was needed, of course, but much more then that in other forms of payment. Grease the wheels of commerce with good deeds and spotless lives and it was amazing how much you could do. His smile grew a bit more official as she asked the terms and he knew he had her interest at the very least. Not that she was sold, but that she couldn't yet object. What he said had to be reasonable.

"I am the only male of my line and the head of the family. I need to make sure that I don't leave my children in that same state so I need multiple heirs. The old term is 'an heir and a spare' but I'd like a daughter or two as well. I need a wife who can circulate in a crowd on her own and remember what she hears, one who can go to events on my behalf and make me look good, protect the family business reputation." He tilted his head and smiled a bit more warmly. "You'll be dressed better then most, tailored clothing, very comfortable. You will have your free time to do with as you wish within reasonable boundaries I think and those can be negotiated when you want changes. You will have your own allowance to spend as you see fit as well."

He raised a finger as if pointing out the sticking point which was much better then being surprised with it. He figured that made him look better anyway. "But my other requirement is you will obey me. In the house behind closed doors and out in front of others there is much at stake on my head. I have to be seen as in charge in all aspects. Any deviation from that will make my control over my own money and business tentative and that would not be acceptable. I will be a public figure at all times, my wife just as much so. Behind doors I will listen to reason and make concessions, but in public it must be that we act as a pair, you an extension of me."

Her only statement was that it be written down? Nothing easier. "Our own contract? Certainly. I doubt your family will need to see that though, it will be between us." Her comments about work had him thinking she was from a family which disapproved of that sort of thing, so it was a safe bet. "I will write it up this afternoon, we will both sign it, and I'll get my lawyer to give you a copy if my research is favorable. Fair enough?" Strike now while she was off balance, nail down the terms and he would have her on paper. All very reasonable. He knew what he offered was better then anything else she would hear and she probably knew that too.

Of course, the marriage contract would be separate. What her grandfather sold her into she had no control over. But if she signed one with him personally she could hardly object he was being unfair or unreasonable; that would be turned on her grandfather instead making her more his ally. She was probably already bothered by the man selling her off as most pureblood women were, though they had known it from the start that it could happen. By their very nature men had turned them into a type of cattle and he would not apologize for taking advantage of the system to further his family's future. And she hadn't resisted the kiss either, his hand still in control of hers.

The symbolism in that was delicious.

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[Meggera Tepes]

Her head was finally ceasing to spin, but ended up coming to an abrupt halt. As expected as it was she had never stopped to think about having children, even though one would think she had. But by the time she actually understood the future that grandfather and father were pushing her towards her mother had already passed and had never gotten the chance to talk to her about the 'joys of children of your own'. Their nanny had when asked about it...but it didn't have the same sort of impact coming from a woman she disliked who had no children of her own. In fact she had made it sound like a loathsome and tiring thing. The circulating in a crowd she could do since she already did that at her grandfathers parties, but children?

To keep her voice from wavering she merely nodded. It sounded a lot like her parents relationship from when she was little, what she could remember at least. They never argued or discussed personal matters in public, even if her mother had disagreed with him over something. She had been the perfect model of what a wife should be. But that was different...they had married without the same pressure Meggera was receiving. Her father had even gone against her grandfathers wishes when courting her mother because he was in love, but her grandfather had accepted it after he met her mother. “That sounds acceptable to me.” she said quietly, her eyes wandering down to were his hand still held hers.

She was relived that he didn't feel the need to include her family in the contract between them. She would definitely get an earful from both her father and grandfather about wanting to work. Studying not so much...but actually working. No woman in her direct family line had ever had a job, except on her mothers side. Though that was slightly different in its own ways as it had been more of a hobby for her grandmother then an actual job. “Yes thats fair enough. I assume you'll be doing your research soon?” she said with a small nod. Knowing her grandfather he had put a time limit on the offer, which was convenient in a way. It meant she would know what was going to happen sooner then not sos he wouldn't be worrying and wondering for months on end.

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Outfit:
Pants and Shoes
Shirt
Coat

Tag: Jamison

[shava444]

Seemingly staring into space, she nodded at his mention of children and his eyes narrowed slightly. Most women had reactions to discussion about children, it was after all a natural function they were told about since childhood. Something seemed off there. She did agree that it sounded acceptable to her without any qualifications which surprised him, but maybe he had managed to put it across just right then. He had heard women speaking about those things but had never broached the subject with girls himself. Had he possibly missed getting the full message across?

"I think I shall be repairing to the Library this afternoon. I doubt my lawyer will get back to me fast however, that might take a few days. Do you think your family will contact you about this or not?" Her entire attitude had changed from one of surprised and taken aback to numb acceptance. Did he dare poke the subject to see if she had really gotten the idea? She had just agreed to have four children basically. "No more questions then? I do have one or two still. Besides your brother who it sounds like you have known since he was a child, have you dealt with many children? How do you feel about the idea of working in an orphanage?"

If nothing else the experience would be good for when she had her own. He wasn't sure how much he would have to do with their raising, personally, although his grandfather's model seemed fairly cold to him. He would try to do more then that at least. His own father had been a miserable failure. "I've heard stories about women who were in bad relationships, locked in homes and such. For awhile my mother was one. I think it made her very sad until my grandfather got her work for the family. Understand, I don't want to lock you away, Meggera. I think a woman can be the heart of a family, the life if you will of it and for that no caged bird will work. I want you to be happy with the situation, not dread it. Do you understand that? I am not from the old ways."

He shifted slightly on the bench simulating being uncomfortable with his next words though he did not really feel that way. To come across as the good guy, he needed to establish this next part of the illusion carefully. "You would come to know me better then anyone would just as I will know your mind on things. If a problem develops, I want to know about it so we can work things out. This has to be a two way street of communication for this to work. Tell me, how would your grandfather have preferred it if he had married you off to an older man do you think? Is he old fashioned?"

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