Jack may not be aware of the personal connections, but the general sublimity of the performance is not entirely lost on him, certainly. The music was lovely -- he certainly appreciated knowing what it was about. Of course, one could not expect to stay on top of everything in the general madness of the performance, but it was a fairly... satisfying sort of madness, really.
And so, later, he picks up his spoon. "Thank you again, for the invitation, Ali. It was wonderful. Literally." He takes his bite, and his eyes, widened so often during the evening, squint up a bit pleasantly. "And this is delicious."
Jack smiles. "Most certainly. The latter was fascinating, like one hears of exquisite court masques, only... much more so," He smile becomes slightly sheepish. "And the former free of permanent damage."
"Usually," she agrees cheerfully. "Cars are very safe, if the driver's smart and careful."
The comment about court masques makes her think. "Do you think people in court where you're from dress like that though? It's very...revealing, compared to the dresses you make."
Jack shakes his head. "Oh, not to that extent, no. Only the most exaggerated Histriomastixtype stories would imply anything quite so outlandish, as it were. Merely a point of reference, really..." And the chocolate and devonshire cream is most definitely usurping the talking for a moment.
"Ah. Have you ever been to a ball? I think everyone should go to a ball once. I think everyone should go to more parties in general though. It's sad that people don't celebrate life more often. There's so much in it worth celebrating, don't you think?"
"I've been to one of the smaller sort with my dear friend Mrs. Meddows. It was lovely. The food, music..." He smiled. "And clothes." Which he would certainly never say were all the subjects of various notes nad critiques when he got home that night.
"And I quite agree. There's always one aspect or another of something that's worth honoring or otherwise enjoying. One of the reasons I'm often haranguing the guild to get finances in order is that we can then celebrate our good fortune properly."
She laughs quietly, ignoring the looks this draws from other tables (someone laughing in public? Shocking!). "Ah, dear me, you're going to sound like a party boy if you're not careful.
"Not that there's anything wrong with such a thing, if it's what you like in life."
"There is some talk of Venetian-style masquerades being about to catch on in certain London circles. It would be interesting. Of course, half the ladies will just want a minor variant one what half the ladies of Venice wore last Carnivale, but it's still an opportunity for some interesting work."
And a touch of blood hits his cheeks. "Thank you, Ali. Of course, a slight bit of the clamor has already started. I've suddenly had a small rash of notes from ladies who hadn't previously patronized my shop but who've decided they can't face the next May Day with their current clothing. Terribly interesting how that happens. I believe other dressmakers will soon begin to wish they had my friends."
Ali loves making men blush. They get so cute and embarrassed about it.
"Oh, how lovely! Of course, anyone who's seen one of your creations will want one, and doubly so when they find out you're so clever and pleasant to work with. I suppose I had better make sure to claim more of your time now, while I can, hadn't I?"
"That's good. I'd have to have words with someone if they tried to take all your time away." Ali leans forward slightly, her smile growing mischevious. "Or maybe I should bewitch you so you never have eyes for anyone else."
...And Jack's mood is just a little less lovely. He manages a smile, but his eyes are down and not in a shy, flirting-related sort of way. But he takes another bite and smiles more strongly. "Having introduced me to chocolate, Alison," he says pleasantly. "You're only a few steps behind witchcraft already, after a fashion."
And so, later, he picks up his spoon. "Thank you again, for the invitation, Ali. It was wonderful. Literally." He takes his bite, and his eyes, widened so often during the evening, squint up a bit pleasantly. "And this is delicious."
Reply
Another spoonful of dessert, this time white chocolate and strawberries, before she speaks again. "So was it worth the taxi rides to see the show?"
Reply
Reply
The comment about court masques makes her think. "Do you think people in court where you're from dress like that though? It's very...revealing, compared to the dresses you make."
Reply
Jack shakes his head. "Oh, not to that extent, no. Only the most exaggerated Histriomastixtype stories would imply anything quite so outlandish, as it were. Merely a point of reference, really..." And the chocolate and devonshire cream is most definitely usurping the talking for a moment.
Reply
Reply
"And I quite agree. There's always one aspect or another of something that's worth honoring or otherwise enjoying. One of the reasons I'm often haranguing the guild to get finances in order is that we can then celebrate our good fortune properly."
Reply
"Not that there's anything wrong with such a thing, if it's what you like in life."
Reply
"There is some talk of Venetian-style masquerades being about to catch on in certain London circles. It would be interesting. Of course, half the ladies will just want a minor variant one what half the ladies of Venice wore last Carnivale, but it's still an opportunity for some interesting work."
Reply
"Your creations would outshine any belle of a Venetian ball, darling, and have everyone clamoring for an appointment."
Reply
Reply
"Oh, how lovely! Of course, anyone who's seen one of your creations will want one, and doubly so when they find out you're so clever and pleasant to work with. I suppose I had better make sure to claim more of your time now, while I can, hadn't I?"
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
"I was just joking, darling. I wouldn't really do that to anyone. I'm sorry."
Reply
Leave a comment