Day 72 - Midday - Voice to everyone (accidental)

[halftheduet]

[Just about noon-- be grateful it's not at a more inconvenient time, citizens-- a phone call comes through.

Dr. Maturin had set his phone on a desk and that desk... Well. Other things had been moved. One being a book, which is likely the culprit in waking the device and broadcasting the call.

All that can be heard is a lone cello playing.]

Comments

[mylordtoyou]

[Edrington hears the cello and is immediately drawn to the sound of those low and lonely tones. For if there is something the lord appreciates, it is the arts. Music always particularly spoke to him, though strings not nearly as much as some instruments.

It is then that he notices who has placed this call, and he smiles to himself. He listens until the movement has finished, then offers his appreciation through clapping.]

It would seem, Doctor, that you are a multi-talented individual.

[halftheduet]

...Damnable thing...

[He sets down the bow and cello and finds the phone.]

I apologize. It seems my books upset and turned this device on.

Though, thank you.

[mylordtoyou]

There is no need to apologize. I rather enjoyed your skill. It was a pleasure to listen, I assure you.

[halftheduet]

[He takes a moment to think... then, lightly--]

Perhaps you would care to pay me a visit? I could make tea and perhaps play another piece.

[mylordtoyou]

[There's a smile that spreads on the lord's face. While the doctor cannot see it, perhaps he can hear it in the pleased tone of his voice.]

I would be honoured. I will make my way there shortly.

[halftheduet]

Wonderful. I shall be waiting.

[mylordtoyou]

[Some moments later, he'll hear knocks on his door, the polished redcoat waiting on his porch. This time without the horse.]

[halftheduet]

[A moment later, the door opens.]

Come in.

Do pardon the noise.

["The noise" being the sound of birds coming from somewhere upstairs.]

I've recently acquired four new specimens-- a male and female each of Cyanocitta Cristata and Cardinalidae families.

[He expects most of that to go in one ear and out the other. Jack would pay it little mind, he knew. Merely smile and nod. Perhaps ask to see the birds. Perhaps.]

The tea should be ready soon.

[mylordtoyou]

[Edrington immediately looked up toward the tittering noise and an eyebrow rose. Another small piece of information to catalog on the man, for it would seem that the doctor was also a naturalist. Which, in some way, Edrington found amusing.

He uttered his thanks at being invited inside and stood politely within the entrance with his hands clasped, gaze turning from the ceiling to his kind host.]

I cannot say I am familiar with the birds, but I will trust that they can be fascinating?

[A small upturn of the lip, just in the corner.]

Ah yes. Tea will be nice, thank you.

[halftheduet]

Do you take cream, my friend? Sugar?

[He's already crossed halfway to the kitchen, making a small gesture for the other man to follow.]

Oh Stephen, you and your pet names already.

[mylordtoyou]

[Edrington did as beckoned and thought for a moment. He did take cream and sugar at the estate, but since joining the army had quite learned to take the bitterness of the tea the Rifles so loved. However... he was no longer with his men. A pity, however, he could take tea as he pleased now. Perhaps he was due for a bit of sweetness.

He paid little mind to the term ‘friend.’ It made sense, considering. Nothing to worry over yet.]

Please to both, since you are so kind to offer.

Tip of the iceberg, Edrington. Tip of the iceberg.

[halftheduet]

Naturally.

Do have a seat. [A slight wave to the divan as he made his way completely into the kitchen. He returned a few moments later with two cups of tea.

One had only sugar in it, for him, and the other cream and sugar for the other man.

For the briefest of moments, there was a sharp, aloof, studying flicker in those too-pale eyes. It was gone with a blink, and one might wonder if it had ever been there. After all, the man looked quite friendly enough, offering the cup of tea and saucer.]

I have been meaning to ask you. Forgive me if the question is impudent, of course.

Edrington... is an estate, is it not? A viscountcy? [Which he knew quite well to be wrong, but it did not do to reveal too much at once.] Or is it an earldom?

Awww shit. Here we go.

[mylordtoyou]

[Edrington took notice of the pause, but quickly reached for the offered saucer, taking it gently before his lap.

His eyebrows rose at the nature of the question presented, and without thought he answered it after taking a sip of the tea.]

Indeed, it is an earldom.

[halftheduet]

Held by the... [he pauses, as if needing to think -- even though he spent several nights making sure he could remember the peerage correctly] Lauder family, I believe?

I could well be mistaken, of course.

[A congenial smile to hide the probing for information.] Few men of such family stature are so... [here his tone changes, warms] marked... by their service to their country.

[mylordtoyou]

So you have guessed my name.

[Edrington's mouth pulls into a small smile, which deepens upon seeing the warmth expressed by Maturin shortly thereafter.]

No, most first sons do not join the military. Of the second--and so forth--sons that do, I regret to say they often lack either the ambition or the dedication to their country to truly become soldiers.

Myself... I feel dedicated to my men and my country. My life belongs to them.

[halftheduet]

I am slightly informed on the peerage.

[But the rest... The rest seems to really catch his attention, and he nods slightly.]

Most, I have found, want the prestige that comes with having served... without the dedication that it takes to truly serve.